Alarming data points to high traffic deaths across Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - As millions prepare to travel for the Fourth of July, there’s an alarming trend on Georgia roads.

More than 1,600 drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists were killed on Georgia roadways last year.

A new report breaks down Georgia data and offers some solutions for drivers and state leaders.

Bicyclist Dave Matthews had a brush with death when riding 13 years ago.

A distracted driver ran him off the road.

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“It is my mission to step up and stand up for people who don’t have a voice,” he said.

The number of bicyclists killed across the country has increased by 29%.

In his spare time, he makes ghost bikes – memorials for fallen bicyclists.

“I’ve seen people devastated for life,” he said.

Georgia traffic fatalities increased 39% from 2013 to now, with a dip during the pandemic.

The impact on the state is huge, from medical care to property damage and more.

It adds up to nearly a $100 billion loss.

That’s more than the state’s entire budget.

The impact for families can be immeasurable.

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Insurance companies trying to combat these losses are trying out new technology to ensure people won’t use the phone in their car, says Tom Smith, an economist at Emory University.

“I think it would save thousands of lives and billions of dollars, but people would think that’s an overreach, but it’s not really an overreach if it’s your kids killed in a car crash,” he said.

The study cites a AAA report that suggests by addressing the backlog of roadway safety improvement projects across the country, more than 60,000 lives could be saved in a 20-year period.

This year’s Georgia budget includes a historic amount to address infrastructure needs.