When it comes to car accident statistics, the public expects accountability from law enforcement. Yet recent reports show that the Savannah Police Department has a crash rate more than twice that of the Atlanta Police Department. These numbers raise questions about officer training, city infrastructure, and the risks communities face on Georgia roads every day.
The analysis, based on data from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and local agencies, shows that collisions involving police officers are far more common in Savannah than Atlanta, despite the smaller population. For residents of Chatham County, this is an alarming trend that demands closer examination and meaningful solutions.
The Numbers Behind the Crashes
Between January 2022 and April 2025, the Savannah Police Department was involved in 469 motor vehicle collisions, including nine cases of fatal crash injuries. In comparison, the Atlanta Police Department recorded 680 crashes, with nine serious injuries, in the same period. Given Atlanta’s significantly larger size, Savannah’s crash rate is more than double.
Even more concerning is the fact that Savannah determined 385 of these incidents to be preventable. That means the majority of these traffic accident cases could have been avoided with better practices, defensive driving, or improved training sessions.
Officials at the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety have long stressed the importance of officer safety programs such as Click It or Ticket and the Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic campaign, but these figures suggest local implementation is lacking.
A Story of Tragedy
The case of Luther Roberts illustrates the human cost. In 2019, Roberts was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by SPD Officer Matthew Clay. The officer allegedly sped more than 40 miles over the limit on Abercorn Street, activated lights seconds before impact, and hit Roberts head-on.
Roberts suffered catastrophic injuries, including amputation, and the collision was classified as a fatal and serious injury car crash scenario. SPD deemed it preventable, yet the officer only received a suspension and a misdemeanor charge, which was later dropped.
This incident echoes other use-of-force incidents and police chase accidents where officers’ actions intersect with public safety, creating high collision likelihood and devastating consequences.
The Financial Toll
Since 2019, Savannah has paid nearly $3.95 million in settlements for crash-related claims against the Savannah Police Department. These payouts stem from cases ranging from motor vehicle collisions to pedestrian fatalities.
For comparison, other Georgia jurisdictions like DeKalb County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, and Fulton County record lower settlement averages despite larger populations and heavier traffic data loads. Smaller regions like Hancock County, Lincoln County, and Richmond County also show fewer incidents despite challenging rural highways.
Such disparities underscore a systemic issue specific to Savannah’s traffic environment, officer decision-making, and perhaps even cultural factors within its traffic division.
Why So Many Crashes?
Several factors combine to explain the spike:
- Congested Georgia roads around the port create heavy truck traffic.
- Downtown Savannah, especially Southside Savannah, Mills B Lane Boulevard, Middleground Road, and DeRenne Avenue, see frequent red-light violations, pedestrian deaths, and vehicle thefts.
- Lack of effective traffic calming measures such as speed tables, speed humps, and crosswalk enhancement.
- Inadequate officer training sessions that do not prepare recruits for emergency maneuvers.
Experts note that the absence of a modern driving facility means officers cannot practice evasive techniques. Councilman Kurtis Purtee, himself with decades in law enforcement, acknowledged that officers deserve more than a “parking-lot sized” track.
Community and Policy Perspectives
Advocates for safer roads highlight the role of Vision Zero, a national program that aims to reduce pedestrian fatalities and pedestrian lighting hazards to zero. Local initiatives like Tide to Town, which promotes walking paths and bike trails, and the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant, show promise but need stronger alignment with police operations.
The Federal Highway Administration, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, and the U.S. Department of Transportation all provide best practices for reducing motor vehicle fatality rates. But Savannah’s data shows these strategies may not be fully integrated.
Community voices also call for involvement from Parent University, community organizations, and partnerships with the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office to ensure road safety campaigns resonate with families.
Legal and Criminal Aspects
The legal system often plays a role in shaping accountability. Cases of homicide by vehicle, deadly force, or aggravated assault can overlap when law enforcement officers are involved in high-speed crashes. Past rulings, such as Graham versus Connor, emphasize the importance of objective reasonableness in assessing use of force.
Local figures like Police Chief Roy Minter and the Chatham County DA have faced scrutiny over decisions not to pursue stronger charges against officers. Critics argue that accountability is uneven, leaving victims in need of legal help from firms familiar with personal injury law and case law precedent.
Safety Campaigns and Public Awareness
Georgia has rolled out campaigns like Super Speeder law, Click It or Ticket, and programs against Driving Under the Influence. Still, the effectiveness is questioned when SPD records persistently high crashes.
Other risks, such as Deer collisions, violent crime, and deadly weapon incidents, also compete for officer attention on Georgia roads. But these cannot excuse preventable auto accidents.
Savannah could look to examples like Waymo One and ride-sharing platforms such as the Uber app that leverage collision data and AI safety features. These innovations suggest possible paths to safer streets.
Infrastructure, Technology, and Next Steps
Improvements such as protected separated facility designs for bike trails, walking paths, and pedestrian lighting could reduce both civilian and officer-involved crashes. Enhanced surveillance to reduce vehicle thefts, and better alignment with Riskiest Cities for Drivers reports, could also guide planning.
Integrating traffic calming infrastructure, expanding training sessions, and using grant resources from the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant are critical. Partnerships with community leaders like Corporal Tokos and injured victims represented by firms like Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers or Montlick Injury Attorneys highlight the demand for proactive solutions.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
Savannah’s elevated crash rate compared to Atlanta is not just a statistical anomaly – it is a challenge to public trust, officer accountability, and community safety. From fatalities per 100,000 to Fatal and serious injury car crashes, the message is clear: reform, training, and public transparency are needed to make Savannah’s streets safer.
