Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents in Georgia: What to Know

Fatal drunk driving accidents in Georgia happen for many reasons and in a range of circumstances. Alcohol consumption is obviously the main issue, but other factors, such as speeding, night driving, or driving in rural areas, increase the chances of fatal accidents.

This is important to know for Georgia motorists, as it can help avoid situations that make accidents with a drunk driver more likely. If someone you love has lost their life due to the negligent actions of a drunk driver, you have the right to take legal action.

Get the Strong Arm™. Our Atlanta DUI accident lawyers have over 350 years of combined experience. We can help you hold the intoxicated motorist liable for the damages and hardships they’ve caused. Call today for your free consultation and tell us what happened.

Drunk Driving Facts in Georgia

In Georgia, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher makes a driver legally impaired. The influence of alcohol clouds judgment, diminishes reflexes, and causes other issues that can lead to fatal accidents.

A 2025 Georgia Traffic Safety Facts report by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety identified important findings that illustrate the dangers of impaired driving in Georgia and the extent of the problem. Notable highlights of the data (collected in 2023) include:

• 26% of traffic fatalities in Georgia involved at least one legally impaired driver.
• Fatal alcohol-related crashes in Georgia decreased by 15% between 2022 and 2023
• In multi-vehicle accidents involving a drunk driver, 82% of those fatally or seriously injured were in the other vehicle or were non-motorists.
• 22% of impaired drivers had a previous license suspension or revocation prior to the fatal accident.
• Rural areas of Georgia accounted for 35% of fatal, alcohol-related accidents.

Why Drunk Driving Accidents Happen

While alcohol consumption is the main ingredient in fatal drunk driving accidents in Georgia, it’s important to know how it interacts with other factors that lead to crashes.

Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making

Because alcohol slows brain processing, distorts perception, and weakens self-control, impaired drivers often underestimate danger and overestimate their abilities. Reduced reaction times and hazard recognition mean ordinary driving mistakes can become fatal crashes.

Excessive Speed

Alcohol reduces inhibition and increases risk-taking behaviors. According to a report by the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, drivers above the legal limit that is considered drunk driving were 2.9 times more likely to be speeding.

Reduced Coordination and Reflexes

Even moderate alcohol levels impair muscle coordination and balance. Drunk drivers struggle to stay in lanes, oversteer on curves, or brake properly. This results in rare and horrific accidents, like head-on collisions or rollovers that can be fatal for the vehicle occupants and other drivers.

Nighttime Driving and Low Visibility

Most drunk-driving deaths occur late at night when visibility is limited and fatigue compounds. Alcohol may reduce depth perception and contrast sensitivity, which can cause impaired drivers to miss turns or traffic signals and not see pedestrians or cyclists.

Rural Roads

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, speeding and alcohol play a major role in rural accident-related fatalities. Impaired judgement and poor reflexes make navigating winding country roads difficult.

Failure to Use Seat Belts

Impaired judgment often leads drivers and passengers to skip seat belts. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety study, drunk drivers were 2.7 times more likely to be unrestrained,  or un-helmeted in the case of motorcycle riders.

Mixing Alcohol with Drugs or Medications

Combining alcohol with drugs amplifies effects like drowsiness, blurred vision, and decreased reaction times. Even safe prescription or over-the-counter medications can result in major impairments when taken with alcohol.

Repeated or Habitual Impaired Driving

Chronic impaired drivers make up a disproportionate share of fatal alcohol-related crashes. A history of DUIs indicates ongoing substance dependence or disregard for legal consequences. Some convicted drunk drivers continue drinking and driving despite license suspensions.

What to Do After a Fatal Drunk Driving Accident

In Georgia, certain family members can bring a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal drunk driving accident. The drunk driver will face serious criminal charges, but this is a civil suit that will hold them, or the insurance company, financially accountable for damages.

Our attorneys can:

• Investigate the crash: We’ll determine who can be held responsible for the drunk driving accident injury and death. This is typically the driver, but other parties may be liable under.
• Calculate damages: Damages can include funeral and burial costs as well as compensation for financial and emotional hardships endured by the surviving family.
• Negotiate for a settlement: Many wrongful death cases are settled out of court. We’ll work for a settlement that fully reflects your family’s losses.
• Represent you in court: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court and fight for your award.

Get Help With Your Fatal Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia

Important things to know about fatal drunk driving accidents in Georgia can help you reduce the chances of encountering a drunk driver. If you’ve lost a loved one because of the actions of a negligent motorist who chose to drink and drive, our team can help.

Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates have recovered more than $1 billion for Georgia accident victims and their families. Call today for a free consultation.