A new traffic safety analysis from John Foy & Associates has identified the five Georgia counties with the worst driving records, accounting for more than one in four of the state’s fatal crashes.
According to 2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. recorded 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities nationwide. Georgia accounted for 1,615 deaths, or about 4% of the national total. Of that figure, five counties alone—DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Richmond- were responsible for 436 deaths, or 27% of Georgia’s crash fatalities.
The findings underscore a troubling reality: while Georgia has 159 counties, a handful of populous, urban centers drive a disproportionate share of its roadway tragedies.
The Five Deadliest Counties in Georgia
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DeKalb County — 151 deaths
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Fulton County — 112 deaths
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Gwinnett County — 67 deaths
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Cobb County — 54 deaths
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Richmond County — 52 deaths
These five counties are home to major cities such as Atlanta and Augusta, where high traffic volume, dense highways, and nightlife activity contribute to elevated risks behind the wheel.
Who Is Most at Risk on Georgia’s Roads?
The data reveals that Georgia’s most at-risk drivers are men in their prime driving years. Of the state’s 1,615 fatalities:
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70% were male (1,131 deaths)
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30% were female (480 deaths)
By age group:
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25–34 year-olds made up 22% of deaths, the largest single group.
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35–64 year-olds accounted for 43% of fatalities.
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16–24 year-olds represented 17% of deaths.
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65 and older made up 14%.
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Children under 16 accounted for just 3.5%.
These numbers align with national trends, where young and middle-aged adult males are the most frequent victims of risky driving behaviors.
Nighttime Driving: The Deadliest Hours
The majority of Georgia’s fatal crashes in these counties occur after dark. Of the 436 fatalities in the five counties, 310 (71%) happened at night.
DeKalb County recorded the highest number of nighttime deaths at 112, followed by Fulton with 78. Fatigue, low visibility, and higher rates of impaired driving are all contributing factors.
Drunk Driving: More Than One in Four Fatal Crashes
Alcohol impairment continues to be a deadly force on Georgia’s roads. Of the 436 deaths in the five counties:
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124 fatalities (28%) involved a drunk driver (BAC 0.08 or higher).
DeKalb led the state with 45 alcohol-related fatalities, followed by Fulton (31), Gwinnett (20), Richmond (15), and Cobb (13). Even in counties with smaller totals, alcohol was involved in roughly one-quarter of all fatal crashes.
Speeding: Fulton Tops the List
Speeding accounted for 89 deaths, or 20% of fatalities, across the five counties.
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Fulton County: 35 speeding deaths (31% of its total)
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DeKalb County: 22 deaths (15%)
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Gwinnett County: 16 deaths (24%)
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Cobb County: 8 deaths (15%)
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Richmond County: 8 deaths (15%)
While most counties fall below the national speeding average of 29%, Fulton’s rate stands out as a major red flag for enforcement.
Seatbelt and Helmet Non-Use: Georgia’s Weakest Point
The most alarming trend is Georgia’s high rate of unbelted and unhelmeted fatalities.
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Fulton County: 48% of victims unrestrained
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Cobb County: 43%
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Gwinnett County: 35%
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Richmond County: 33%
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DeKalb County: 30%
By comparison, the national average is just 8.1%. These figures highlight a significant compliance problem and suggest that many Georgia lives could have been saved by simply buckling up or wearing a helmet.
Georgia vs. the National Picture
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Drunk Driving: Georgia’s rates (28–30%) align closely with the national average of 30%.
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Speeding: Only Fulton exceeds the national average (29%).
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Unrestrained Victims: Georgia counties far exceed the national 8%, in some cases by more than fivefold.
The data makes clear that while Georgia does not have the worst rates for speeding or drunk driving, its seatbelt and helmet usage rates are dangerously low.
The Most Dangerous County
DeKalb County emerges as Georgia’s most dangerous, with the highest total fatalities (151), the most drunk driving deaths (45), and the most nighttime crashes (112). Fulton ranks second overall but first for speeding-related fatalities and unrestrained victims.
Together, the two metro Atlanta counties shape Georgia’s most troubling traffic trends.
A Call for Action
The findings highlight urgent needs for stronger seatbelt enforcement, targeted DUI prevention campaigns, and increased nighttime safety measures.
“Too many Georgia families are losing loved ones to preventable crashes,” said a spokesperson for John Foy & Associates. “If drivers simply buckled up, slowed down, and made responsible choices about alcohol, hundreds of lives could be saved each year.”
