Drive Smart, Stay Safe: DeKalb’s Road to Safety
The Office of DeKalb County Solicitor-General is committed to promoting safe driving in DeKalb County. Whether you’re a teen or a seasoned driver, learn how to stay safe and keep your license.
Why Safe Driving Matters
The Solicitor-General prosecutes traffic-related misdemeanors to ensure accountability and public safety. Offenses such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Speeding and Reckless Driving impacts everyone in our local community.
Doing Donuts in DeKalb
Recent Headlines
Thanks to Atlanta’s robust film industry, folks are racing to their local cinemas to enjoy some high-speed thrills. Films such as “The Fate of the Furious” and “Need for Speed” were made right here in our own DeKalb County and give local area youths a special kind of adrenaline rush. Recent headlines tell the tale of increase in reckless driving and police citations. In May DeKalb County Police conducted a round up operation of an overnight racing meetup at Wade Walker Park, handing out over 100 citations in the process. Then a local area Fox 5 news reporter happened to capture a shocking scene—a dangerous event known as a “Street Takeover” took place right at Briarcliff Road over Memorial Day weekend.
Since Summer 2021, Local area residents have been seeing a growing uptick in drag races and reckless driving. Event promotions found on Social Media sites such as Facebook and Tik Tok, have led to multiple occasions of pop-up events across the county. Popular takeover sites include Varkel Lane and the intersection of Klondike and Brown’s Mill Road, both in the city of Stonecrest. Promoters often encourage drivers to block off the intersections and roadways to keep other uninvolved vehicles from entering the racing or drifting areas. With the help of local law enforcement, the Solicitor-General’s Office has been diligent about prosecuting and convicting the promoters of these coordinated events.
Legal Landscape
By law, Street Racing is treated as a misdemeanor in the state of Georgia however the state legislature is cracking down. In 2021, the Governor Brian Kemp signed SB10 into law, leveraging harsher penalties for street racing and those found participating or organizing in the illegal events. The law increases the maximum fine for a first offense from $750 to $1000 and from $5000 to $7500 for a fourth offense. Those convicted could also face penalties such as probation, license suspension, and up to 12 months in jail.
By the Numbers
In 2024, the Georgia Department of Transportation reported that DeKalb County had 36,022 crashes, making up for about 1 in 10 accidents in the state.
Below are some more statistics about driving incidents in DeKalb in 2024. Data sourced from GDOT Crash Data Dashboard
Common Causes of Car Crashes
Below are a list of the most common causes of car accidents in DeKalb County
Distracted Driving
Georgia’s Hands Free law prohibits the use of mobile devices while driving but cellphones are not the only distractions along for the ride. Eating, adjusting the radio and even passengers can be a cause for distraction behind the wheel. Driver’s are encouraged to stay alert and focuses at all times.
Speeding
Speeding occurs when a driver surpasses posted speed limits. When you speed, you reduce your ability to respond to road hazards or changing conditions. Driving at safer speeds gives drivers a better chance at arriving at their destinations safely.
Driving Under the Influence
For drivers 21 years and older Georgia law defines 0.08 as the legal BAC limit. If you are caught over the limit you can face penalties such as Suspended license, Probation or Jail Time.
Aggressive Driving
Known more commonly as road rage, Aggressive driving puts everyone at risk. Behaviors like illegal lane changes, tailgating and racing are all dangerous and subject to points on your GA license.
Common Consequences to Unsafe Driving
Most traffic violations are fined starting at around $25 for the average parking ticket
Traffic violations are often penalized with points. Drivers are allowed 15 points within a 24 month period. Certain violations come with automatic suspensions.
Mandated for certain offenses such as DUI or reckless driving.
Insurance providers in the state of Georgia are allowed to pull a drivers record from up to seven years prior. An accumulation of traffic violations can result in increased rates for many drivers.
A first offense of DUI requires a minimum of 24 hours in jail. Any second or third offense can have increased time; up to 12 months.
Although the Solicitor-General prosecutes misdemeanor offense that are often not included on a criminal record, an accumulation of certain violations can result in a criminal record.
Teen Safe Driving
Teenage drivers are at higher risk for crashing due to inexperience, speeding or distractions like texting. Understanding Georgia’s teen driving laws empowers responsible choices. Learn how to stay safe on the road, avoid traffic violations and keep your license.
Here are a few tips to help keep your teen safe on the road:
Always wear a seatbelt when traveling in a vehicle– even when you are not the driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
GA Code § 40-6-189 (2024)
(b) In addition to any other fines or penalties imposed by any local jurisdiction or the department, the department shall administer and collect a fee of $200.00 from any driver who is convicted of driving at a speed of 85 miles per hour or more on any road or highway or 75 miles per hour or more on any two-lane road or highway, as defined in Code Section 40-6-187. Such a driver, upon conviction, shall be classified as a “super speeder.”
The State Court of DeKalb County has jurisdiction over state law traffic violations that are alleged to have occurred in DeKalb County. Most state law traffic violations are assigned to Division B of the State Court of DeKalb County and most traffic violations are punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 per charge and maximum jail sentence of up to 12 months.
Visit https://dekalbstatecourt.net/division-b/fines-fees-schedule/ to learn more.
The Georgia Point System ranges from 2 to 6 points. A driver with 15 points in a 24-month period will be suspended.
Visit Points Schedule | Georgia Department of Driver Services to learn more