Georgia’s Deadliest Counties for Drivers Revealed in New Safety Report

A new analysis of federal traffic data from John Foy & Associates shows that just five Georgia counties are responsible for more than one in four fatal crashes across the state.

In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities nationwide. Georgia accounted for 1,615 of those deaths, around 4% of the national total. While traffic deaths are a statewide issue, five counties—DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Richmond—stood out for having the most dangerous driving records. Combined, they accounted for 436 fatalities, or 27% of all crash deaths in Georgia.

The study examined the main factors driving these numbers: speeding, drunk driving, seatbelt and helmet non-use, demographics, and time of day.

The Five Worst Counties

Georgia’s five deadliest counties for motor vehicle fatalities in 2023 were:

• DeKalb County — 151 deaths

• Fulton County — 112 deaths

• Gwinnett County — 67 deaths

• Cobb County — 54 deaths

• Richmond County — 52 deaths

These counties are home to many of Georgia’s largest cities, including Atlanta, Augusta, Marietta, and Sandy Springs, where high traffic density, nightlife, and highway access all increase crash risks.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The study shows that men are far more likely to die in Georgia crashes than women. Of the 1,615 fatalities, 70% were male (1,131 deaths), compared to 30% female (480 deaths). This mirrors national trends, with men more likely to speed, drink, and drive, and fail to wear restraints.

Age also plays a major role:

• 25–34 year-olds made up 22% of deaths, the largest single age group.

• 35–64 year-olds represented 43% of fatalities.

• 16–24 year-olds accounted for 17% of deaths, underscoring the dangers of inexperience.

• 65+ drivers made up 14%, often tied to slower reflexes.

• Children under 16 represented just 3.5%, benefitting from seatbelt and child seat protection.

Together, the data reveals that the most vulnerable population in Georgia is adults in their prime driving years.

Night Driving: A Clear Danger

Of the 436 fatalities across the five counties, 310 occurred at night—71% of the total. Low visibility, fatigue, and higher rates of drunk driving make nighttime driving especially perilous.

DeKalb County stood out with 112 nighttime fatalities, accounting for nearly three-quarters of its total crash deaths. Fulton followed with 78 nighttime fatalities. The study suggests these numbers are tied to urban nightlife, impaired driving, and congested metropolitan highways.

Drunk Driving: One in Four Deaths

Impaired driving remains a top concern. Of the five counties’ 436 fatalities:

• 124 (28%) involved a drunk driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.

DeKalb posted the highest drunk driving toll at 45 deaths, while Fulton had 31 and Gwinnett had 20. Even smaller totals in Richmond (15) and Cobb (13) represented more than a quarter of their crash deaths.

Speeding: Fulton Takes the Lead

Speeding was a factor in 89 fatalities (20% of the total). Fulton County was the most affected, with 35 speeding-related deaths—31% of its fatalities, the highest proportion of any county.

Gwinnett’s 16 speeding deaths represented 24% of its total, while DeKalb, Cobb, and Richmond each reported lower proportions of speed-related crashes. Still, the numbers show that speeding continues to be a deadly behavior across Georgia.

Seatbelt and Helmet Non-Use: Georgia’s Biggest Problem

The most troubling finding involved seatbelt and helmet use. 107 of the 285 fatalities in these counties (38%) were unbelted or unhelmeted victims.

• Fulton County: 48% of fatalities unrestrained

• Cobb County: 43%

• Gwinnett County: 35%

• Richmond County: 33%

• DeKalb County: 30%

By comparison, the national average is just 8%. Georgia’s rate of unrestrained fatalities is alarmingly higher, suggesting a significant gap in compliance and enforcement.

How Georgia Stacks Up Against the Nation

• Drunk Driving: Georgia counties match the national average of 30%.

• Speeding: Most counties fall below the 29% national average, except Fulton.

• Unbelted Victims: Georgia counties far exceed the national 8% by as much as six times.

The conclusion is clear: while Georgia performs similarly to the U.S. overall on drunk driving and speeding, failure to buckle up is the state’s biggest weakness.

The Bottom Line

DeKalb County emerges as Georgia’s most dangerous for drivers, with the highest overall fatalities, drunk driving deaths, and nighttime crashes. Fulton ranks second, posting the highest rate of speeding fatalities and unrestrained deaths. Gwinnett leads in drunk driving proportions, while Cobb and Richmond also show troubling seatbelt non-compliance.

In 2023, just five counties shaped the majority of Georgia’s crash landscape, and the data shows many deaths could have been prevented with simple safety measures.

“A significant number of these victims would still be alive if they had buckled up, slowed down, or avoided driving under the influence,” the study notes.