Georgia is home to many large cities and several popular colleges and universities, so it should come as no surprise that the Peach State has a reputation for drunk driving. The reality, however, is a little more complicated, as the following Georgia DUI statistics show.
DUI Charges Are Serious
DUI cases are common in our state, so if you’re facing charges, know that you’re not alone. That said, Georgia takes drunk driving seriously, so you should do the same for your charges. Working with a Griffin, Georgia DUI lawyer is the most effective way to improve your chances of a positive outcome in your case.
How Common Are DUIs in Georgia?
In 2025, 22,627 DUI and drug convictions were reported to the Department of Driver Services. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were 1,491 fatal crashes involving alcohol in 2023, leading to 1,615 traffic fatalities. Those numbers may sound dire, but Georgia actually fared better than the US average when it comes to the percentage of fatal crashes caused by alcohol use, at 27% compared to 30% nationwide.
It’s also relevant to note here that DUIs apply to not just alcohol but also drugs. In 2023, there were 218 crashes involving drivers under the influence of drugs other than alcohol. They caused 228 fatalities, accounting for 14% of all the traffic fatalities for the year.
Fatalities are just the worst-case scenario for drunk driving and drugged driving. There were also 332 reports of confirmed alcohol impairment or drug use associated with severe injuries in 2023, and another 477 reports of suspected DUI. The good news is that that represents an 18% improvement over 2022’s numbers. The bad news is that it still results in many people getting injured and going to jail.
Where Do Most DUIs Happen?
Historically, most DUIs have occurred in the Atlanta region. In recent years, the 11 counties in this area accounted for around 40% of all alcohol-related fatalities. In 2023, rural regions recorded more traffic fatalities from DUIs. Around 35% of fatal alcohol-related crashes happened in rural counties, while 31% occurred in the metro Atlanta region and 34% were recorded in other urban areas.
DUIs may also be more common in college towns. The DUI conviction rate in Bulloch County, home to Georgia Southern University, is notably higher than the Georgia average. In 2020, 170 drivers were arrested for DUIs in that county alone. In Bibb County, where Mercer University is located, the DUI conviction rate is slightly less than double that of Bulloch County.
Given that 30% of college students have a DUI conviction on their record, that should come as no surprise. It’s also relevant to note that people in their early 20s are more likely than any other age category to commit DUIs.
What to Do if You Get Arrested
If you want to avoid serious penalties for breaking Georgia’s DUI laws, you’ll need to take certain steps following your arrest. Here’s what you should do if you get pulled over for a DUI in Georgia:
- Know your rights: You have the right not to incriminate yourself, which means the only information you’re required to provide to the police is your identity. Beyond that, you can exercise your right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. You also have the right to legal counsel if you are arrested.
- Consent to chemical testing: While you don’t have to answer questions, you are legally obligated to perform chemical testing if the police request it. You don’t have to complete any roadside sobriety testing. Failing to submit to a chemical test after a DUI stop can lead to additional legal consequences.
- Hire a lawyer: You should hire a DUI lawyer as early in the process as possible. As soon as you’ve been arrested, request legal representation and seek out knowledgeable legal counsel. Your lawyer will provide an aggressive defense against your DUI charges, improving your chances of keeping your license and your freedom.
FAQs About Georgia DUI Statistics
How Often Do DUI Cases Get Dismissed in Georgia?
DUI cases get dismissed in Georgia very infrequently. However, most cases do not go to trial, either. Defendants are often able to come to reasonable plea agreements before their cases go to trial, sometimes receiving lesser charges or lower DUI penalties in return. You can increase your chances of getting your case dismissed by hiring a skilled Georgia DUI attorney.
Is the Epidemic of DUI Increasing or Decreasing?
The epidemic of DUI is staying roughly the same. There were 22,627 DUI arrests across the state in 2025, compared to 23,463 in 2024 and 21,770 in 2023. As you can see, these numbers are roughly equivalent, though the state has seen a significant drop over the past ten years. In 2015, there were 27,830 DUI arrests statewide.
Is Georgia the State With the Highest DUI Rate?
Georgia is not the state with the highest DUI rate. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration places Georgia in the middle range of states with drunk driving problems in 2023. According to the NHTSA, Hawaii had the most fatal DUI accidents that year, followed by Texas. Other states may win out by different metrics.
Who Commits the Most DUIs?
Men commit most DUIs, with four male drunk drivers to every one female arrested for DUI. People in their early 20s, from ages 21 to 24, are more likely than any other age group to drive under the influence of alcohol. However, people of any age can be arrested for drunk driving. No matter how old you are, you should take the charges seriously.
Hire a DUI Lawyer Today
Don’t become just another one of the Georgia DUI statistics. If you’ve been pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence, it’s time to hire a DUI lawyer. The team here at Miller North & Brill has extensive experience representing clients facing DUIs of varying severity. We can help you obtain a positive outcome in your case, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.
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