Drunk driving continues to be one of Georgia’s deadliest traffic dangers, and recent numbers reveal that it’s not getting better. Every year, thousands of lives are forever changed by drivers who get behind the wheel impaired. The following statistics help shed some light on the scope of the problem.
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, there were 19,495 DUI convictions statewide in 2024, marking the highest annual total since 2019.
Of these:
- 17,011 were first-time DUI convictions
- 2,185 were second offenses
- 299 were third offenses, which typically carry harsh penalties for habitual violators
A significant number of DUIs involve repeat offenders who pose a continued risk on Georgia roads.
Alcohol-Related Fatalities Remain Staggering
Alcohol-impaired driving deaths account for a large chunk of Georgia’s traffic fatalities each year. In a recent year, the state reported 507 alcohol-related deaths, representing roughly 28% of all traffic fatalities statewide. Nationally, the average was about 30%, putting Georgia in line with the disturbing trend across the country.
Numbers like these highlight how widespread and persistent drunk driving is, not just in Georgia but across the country. The NHTSA estimates that two out of three people will be impacted in some way by a drunk driver in their lifetime.
DUI Arrests and Convictions by County
Chatham County, which includes Savannah, saw some of the highest DUI numbers in 2024, including:
- 423 first-time DUI convictions
- 52 second-time DUI convictions
- 10 third-time DUI convictions
Chatham County alone accounted for almost 2.5% of the first-time DUI convictions in Georgia last year. Other larger counties like Fulton and Gwinnett also had concerning numbers.
Here’s a list of the Georgia counties with the most first-time DUI convictions in 2024:
- Gwinnett: 1,342 first DUIs
- Cobb: 1,090 first DUIs
- Fulton: 908 first DUIs
- Cherokee: 710 first DUIs
- Douglas: 661 first DUIs
These numbers reveal how DUI offenses cluster around Georgia’s most populated areas.
Who Is Getting DUIs in Georgia?
Gender and age breakdowns show that men between 21 and 35 make up the largest group of DUI offenders. In 2024, men in their mid-20s alone accounted for thousands of first, second, and third DUIs combined. Female drivers also had significant numbers, particularly among women ages 23 to 37.
This trend points to a young adult demographic as the primary group involved in impaired driving crashes and arrests.
Why Drunk Driving Remains a Big Problem
Experts point to several factors keeping Georgia’s drunk driving rates stubbornly high:
- Weekend nights (especially Saturdays) see spikes in alcohol-involved crashes, as well as holidays like New Year’s.
- Georgia’s fast-growing cities see more nightlife and traffic congestion, creating riskier driving conditions.
- Many drivers underestimate the effects of “just a few drinks” or feel pressured to drive instead of finding a sober ride.
Georgia’s participation in the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign aims to change motorists’ behavior, but enforcement alone can’t address the cultural and social factors fueling impaired driving.
Consequences of DUI Conviction in Georgia
Convictions for drunk driving in Georgia can bring:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Mandatory alcohol education programs
- License suspension
- Other long-term consequences
Moreover, DUI crashes often cause serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage. Victims may require extensive medical care, therapy, and daily support to recover.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today
Drunk driving continues to be a leading cause of death and injury in Georgia, and Savannah is no exception. The latest statistics clearly indicate that the problem isn’t going away. However, the right education, smarter driving choices, and community efforts to hold drivers accountable can help make Georgia’s roads safer for all commuters.
For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Savannah
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.0047854, -81.1083488
