How often do Georgia State Patrol chases end in crashes?

More than half of Georgia State Patrol pursuits conclude in crashes, a rate significantly higher than the national average.

What are common reasons for Georgia State Patrol pursuits?

Many Georgia State Patrol chases begin over minor traffic violations such as speeding, seatbelt infractions, or failure to maintain lane.

Does Georgia require supervisor approval for police chases?

Reports indicate Georgia does not require supervisor approval before initiating a chase, unlike some other states with stricter policies.

Home / Crime and Justice / GA State Patrol Crashes Daily in High-Speed Chases

GA State Patrol Crashes Daily in High-Speed Chases

10 Dec

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Summary

Over half of Georgia State Patrol pursuits end in crashes.
Many chases begin over low-level traffic violations, not felonies.
Georgia's chase crash rate is three times the national average.

GA State Patrol Crashes Daily in High-Speed Chases

Newly released data from five years of Georgia State Patrol pursuit records shows a pattern of daily high-speed chases, with more than half culminating in crashes. Between 2019 and 2023, thousands of pursuits led to thousands of injuries and dozens of deaths, often initiated over minor traffic offenses.

The findings highlight a critical discrepancy in road safety practices, as Georgia's pursuit crash rate of over 50% far exceeds the national average. Unlike many other states and cities that have implemented stricter policies requiring supervisory approval for pursuits, Georgia reportedly does not mandate such oversight for initiating chases.

This analysis raises urgent questions about balancing law enforcement accountability with the inherent risks of vehicular pursuits. Many of these low-level stops escalated, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for uninvolved individuals, prompting debate on whether Georgia's current standards align with national trends aimed at reducing chase-related harm.