DMVZoneBlogIn 2024, 425 people died in traffic crashes in metro Atlanta's five core counties, more than the 410 homicides there. DeKalb had the most. Statewide, early federal estimates show Georgia deaths fell in 2025.
Traffic crashes killed 425 people in metro Atlanta's five core counties in 2024, more than the 410 homicides there, according to an analysis by Propel ATL reported by the AJC. DeKalb County had the most traffic deaths, 121. Statewide, NHTSA's early estimate puts Georgia at about 1,307 deaths in 2025, down 6.8% from 2024.
Georgia's roads got deadlier through the early 2020s. State highway safety data shows 1,809 deaths in 2021 and 1,797 in 2022, up from about 1,500 a year before the pandemic. The newest estimates suggest the trend has finally turned down.
| Factor (2022) | Deaths |
|---|---|
| Unbelted passenger vehicle occupants | 518 |
| Alcohol-impaired crashes | 507 (28% of all deaths) |
| Speeding-related | 422 |
| Pedestrians | 345 |
| Distraction-related (reported) | 76 |
Distraction is almost certainly undercounted, because it is hard to prove after a crash. Seat belts are the most fixable number on the list: 42% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2022 were not buckled.
On wide suburban roads like Buford Highway or Memorial Drive, look for people crossing mid-block, especially near bus stops and after dark.
In 2024, which was higher in metro Atlanta's core counties?
Answer: B. 425 traffic deaths versus 410 homicides.
Which metro Atlanta county had the most traffic deaths in 2024?
Answer: C. DeKalb had 121.
In 2022, what share of Georgia passenger vehicle occupants killed were unbelted?
Answer: C. The state safety plan reports 42% were not buckled.
Metro figures come from Propel ATL's analysis reported by the AJC. Statewide history comes from Georgia's Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The 2025 figure is NHTSA's early estimate, reported by Patch.
Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett.
Yes. Early estimates are revised when final federal data comes out.
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Georgia DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
In Georgia, speeding under 15 mph over adds no points, while aggressive driving and passing a school bus add 6. Reach 15 points in 24 months and DDS suspends your license. Drivers under 21 face much stricter rules.
Get convicted of 85 mph or more anywhere in Georgia, or 75 mph or more on a two-lane road, and DDS bills you a $200 Super Speeder fee on top of the court fine. Miss the 120-day deadline and your license is suspended.
A 6-hour DDS-certified defensive driving course can take up to 7 points off a Georgia license once every five years. Finish it before court and some judges will also cut the fine by 20% with no points.