The Top 20 High-Crash Spots in Georgia Ranked

Every year, Georgia’s roads witness thousands of crashes, many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. From bustling Atlanta suburbs to rural highways, certain spots repeatedly appear as hotspots for traffic incidents. Understanding where these dangerous locations lie and why can help drivers stay alert and potentially avoid becoming another statistic. We will rank Georgia’s 20 most crash-prone areas based on data from the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, and local media reports.

Georgia’s rapid urban growth, particularly around metro Atlanta, puts significant pressure on roads designed initially for far less traffic. Congestion, merging conflicts, and outdated infrastructure contribute heavily to the state’s crash patterns. Rural areas, meanwhile, face unique challenges with speeding, wildlife crossings, and limited emergency response access. Seasonal weather, including heavy rain and occasional ice, adds another layer of risk.

Freight movement through Georgia’s interstates and highways also plays a significant role in crash dynamics. The mix of passenger vehicles and large trucks increases crash severity, particularly at intersections and merging zones. Pedestrian and cyclist injuries are on the rise, too, partly due to incomplete pedestrian infrastructure in many urban corridors.

Georgia’s Department of Transportation and Vision Zero initiatives aim to improve safety through better road design, enforcement, and public education. However, these 20 locations remain top-priority areas to watch and drive carefully around.

The Top 20 High-Crash Spots in Georgia

1. I-285 & I-20 – Atlanta

This major Atlanta interchange sees daily heavy commuter and freight traffic, resulting in constant congestion and aggressive lane changes. From 2018 to 2022, there were 22 fatal crashes, claiming 28 lives. Complex weaving sections and confusing ramps lead to frequent rear-end and sideswipe collisions, while poor lighting and frequent rain reduce visibility. Multiple ongoing construction projects have added to driver frustration, making this a high-risk stretch for local commuters and long-haul truck drivers.

2. Peachtree Industrial Blvd & Buford Hwy – Duluth

A bustling commercial corridor in Duluth, this intersection recorded 16 fatal crashes and 18 fatalities over five years. Numerous turn lanes and pedestrian crossings create conflicts, and abrupt stops from poorly timed signals contribute to rear-end crashes. Limited crosswalk visibility, heavy foot traffic, and distracted driving increase the danger, especially during peak shopping hours.

3. US-78 & SR-155 – Stone Mountain

This suburban intersection sees heavy commuter and mixed traffic, with 14 fatal crashes and 15 fatalities recorded between 2018 and 2022. Angle and sideswipe collisions are common due to tight turning lanes and unclear signage. Seasonal fog sometimes reduces visibility, compounding risks for drivers unfamiliar with the area.

4. I-75 Southbound near Macon

A high-speed interstate segment with heavy truck presence caused 18 fatal crashes and 21 deaths in the last five years. Merging and lane changes often trigger rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups. Nighttime visibility is limited, and fog and construction zones add to the hazards.

5. GA-400 & Mansell Rd – Alpharetta

This busy suburban interchange recorded 12 fatal crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities. The area’s shopping centers and office parks create heavy vehicle and pedestrian interactions. Sideswipe and rear-end crashes are common, compounded by signal timing problems and limited crosswalks.

6. I-16 & I-95 Interchange – Savannah

A critical freight corridor with complex merging sees 15 fatal crashes and 17 deaths from 2018 to 2022. Speed differences between trucks and passenger vehicles create frequent collisions, worsened by poor lighting, rain, and peak shipping congestion.

7. Camp Creek Pkwy & SR-85 – East Point

This suburban commercial corridor had 13 fatal crashes and 14 fatalities in five years. Closely spaced intersections, frequent turning, and inadequate signal coordination lead to angle collisions. Pedestrian activity and stormwater pooling further elevate crash risks.

8. GA-138 & I-85 – Conyers

A high-volume commuter route, this corridor saw 11 fatal crashes and 12 deaths over five years. Rear-end collisions dominate, especially during wet conditions. High truck traffic increases severity, while ongoing roadway improvements have yet to reduce hazards fully.

9. Buford Hwy NE & Clairmont Rd – Atlanta

A dense urban area recording 14 fatal crashes and 15 deaths, this intersection is heavily trafficked by pedestrians and cyclists. Narrow lanes, poor lighting, and inconsistent signal timing contribute to rear-end collisions, with distracted walking and driving heightening danger.

10. SR-20 & SR-92 – Cumming

This suburban arterial experienced 12 fatal crashes and 14 fatalities. Frequent stops and speeding create rear-end and angle collisions. Limited pedestrian infrastructure and seasonal fog further increase risks, particularly for non-motorists.

11. I-285 & Camp Creek Pkwy – College Park

A heavily trafficked interchange near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has had 13 fatal crashes and 15 deaths. Sudden braking and aggressive merging create rear-end and sideswipe crashes, compounded by rain, poor lighting, and construction. Pedestrian crossings are minimal in this area.

12. GA-34 & GA-20 – Newnan

This growing suburban intersection had 11 fatal crashes and 13 fatalities. Speeding, signal violations, and multiple turning lanes lead to angle and rear-end collisions. Fog, poor signage, and unfamiliar drivers elevate the risk.

13. SR-120 & SR-9 – Alpharetta

A busy suburban junction with 12 fatal crashes and 14 deaths. Congestion, frequent lane changes, and delivery vehicle activity increase rear-end and angle collisions. Signal phasing issues exacerbate sudden stops, while pedestrian crossings are often ignored.

14. US-19 & GA-400 – Cumming

This high-speed arterial saw 10 fatal crashes and 11 deaths. Heavy commuter and truck traffic, merging conflicts, and limited shoulder space contribute to sideswipe and rear-end crashes. Fog and heavy rain are recurring hazards, with peak-hour volumes intensifying risks.

15. I-75 Northbound near Kennesaw

A high-speed stretch with 14 fatal crashes and 16 fatalities. Sudden slowdowns frequently cause rear-end collisions and pileups, while fog, rain, and construction reduce visibility and lane availability. Aggressive and distracted drivers contribute heavily to accidents.

16. GA-141 & SR-9 – Johns Creek

Commercial corridor with 11 fatal crashes and 12 deaths. Multiple shopping centers create turning conflicts and angle collisions. Crosswalks are poorly marked, inconsistent signal timing, and holiday congestion spikes increase crash numbers.

17. I-85 & Pleasant Hill Rd – Duluth

Major interchange with 13 fatal crashes and 15 fatalities. Complex merging, poor lighting, and frequent rain create rear-end and sideswipe crashes. Construction zones further reduce lane widths and visibility, and nearby pedestrian activity adds to conflict points.

18. GA-6 & GA-154 – Powder Springs

This suburban arterial recorded 10 fatal crashes and 11 deaths. Speeding, signal violations, and limited shoulder space contribute to angle collisions. Pedestrian traffic is low but present, mostly near schools. Seasonal fog adds to the hazard.

19. US-29 & Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd – Lawrenceville

Commercial corridor with 12 fatal crashes and 13 fatalities. Frequent lane changes, turning movements, and inconsistent signal timing lead to rear-end and sideswipe crashes. Pedestrian crossings exist but are poorly enforced.

20. I-675 & I-285 Interchange – Stockbridge

Key interchange with 14 fatal crashes and 16 deaths. Complex weaving, heavy truck volumes, and rain increase the frequency of rear-end pileups. Construction and aggressive driving add to collision risk, while emergency response times vary.

Common Injuries in Georgia’s Car Accidents

Car accidents in Georgia often result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering trauma. The most frequent are soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, caused by the sudden jerking motion during rear-end collisions. These injuries can be painful and persistent, affecting daily life long after the crash.

Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are among the most common in Georgia crashes, especially rear-end collisions. The sudden jerking motion strains muscles and ligaments in the neck and back, often causing pain that can persist for weeks or months. Even seemingly minor collisions can result in long-lasting discomfort that affects daily life and work.

Fractures and Broken Bones
High-speed crashes and collisions with large trucks frequently result in broken bones, including arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries often require surgical intervention and lengthy rehabilitation. Urban crashes also put pedestrians and cyclists at high risk, as the lack of protective barriers leaves them vulnerable to severe fractures from impacts.

Head Injuries
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious concerns in Georgia accidents. Even when seatbelts are used, sudden impacts can cause the brain to move inside the skull, resulting in cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Recovery often involves specialized medical care and long-term therapy.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Collisions at high speeds can cause spinal cord damage, sometimes resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The consequences are life-altering, requiring lifelong care, accessibility adaptations, and ongoing support for victims and their families. Given the high traffic volumes and speeds on Georgia highways, these injuries are unfortunately not uncommon in severe crashes.

Protects Your Rights with the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Georgia

Georgia’s top crash locations remind us to stay vigilant behind the wheel. Being aware of dangerous spots and local conditions can help prevent accidents, from urban intersections to rural highways. Driving defensively, obeying traffic signals, and avoiding distractions are critical habits.

Georgia transportation officials are improving safety to reduce these crashes, but individual responsibility remains key. Pedestrians and cyclists must also practice caution and use designated crossings and paths whenever possible.

Local Accident Report will support you if you or a loved one is injured in a Georgia crash. We connect victims with experienced personal injury attorneys who understand Georgia’s laws and help navigate the legal process. Call 1 (888) 657-1460 for immediate assistance. Stay alert, stay safe, and work together to make Georgia roads safer for everyone.