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How Do Alabama and Georgia Rank in Traffic Safety? What Drivers Need to Know

Writer's picture: Jinks CrowJinks Crow

Traffic safety is a major concern for drivers across the United States, and recent reports reveal that Alabama and Georgia, like most states, have room for improvement when it comes to roadway safety. A recent report card from the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety sheds light on where these states stand in terms of traffic safety laws and what it means for drivers on the road.


traffic on the highway

Alabama’s Traffic Safety Ranking

In the annual "Roadmap to Safety" report issued by the Washington, D.C.-based Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Alabama received a yellow “caution” rating. This designation means that the state is among the 35 states that have optimal traffic laws in place but still have opportunities to enhance safety measures and reduce the risks that drivers face on the road.


The report evaluates all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on their progress in adopting 18 traffic safety laws that have been proven to help reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. These laws are grouped into six categories: adult occupant protection, child passenger safety, young drivers and graduated driver licensing programs, impaired driving, distracted driving, and automated enforcement for speed and red-light running. These laws represent a comprehensive approach to addressing some of the most common and dangerous causes of accidents.


According to the report from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, only six states, including Louisiana, received a “green” rating that shows significant advancement toward adopting all of the agency’s recommended optimal laws. Alabama, along with 34 other states, received a “yellow” caution rating, indicating that while the state has enacted some critical traffic safety laws, there is still much room for improvement. The state with the highest rating was Oregon, and other states such as Missouri, Idaho, and Michigan received a “red” rating for falling behind in adopting these essential safety laws (Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, 2025).


Georgia’s Traffic Safety Ranking

Georgia, like Alabama, also received a yellow “caution” rating in the same "Roadmap to Safety" report. While Georgia has adopted several important safety measures, it still lags in some key areas that contribute to roadway safety. The state has laws mandating seat belts for all passengers and regulations for child passenger safety, but improvements could be made, particularly in distracted driving laws.


Georgia has yet to implement a hands-free law for mobile phone use, which remains a significant contributor to distracted driving. The state also has room for improvement in automated enforcement measures, such as speed and red-light cameras, which could be crucial in reducing speeding-related accidents and improving overall traffic safety.

 

Alabama and Georgia's Strengths and Weaknesses

Both Alabama and Georgia have made strides in enacting several traffic safety laws, but more work is needed. While both states have implemented key measures, such as seatbelt laws for adults and regulations surrounding child passenger safety, they fall short in other areas, particularly in combating distracted and impaired driving.


For instance, Alabama does not have a law banning the use of handheld mobile phones while driving, and Georgia has yet to implement a hands-free law. Both states could benefit from the use of automated enforcement measures to address speeding and dangerous driving behaviors.


What Drivers Should Know

As a driver in Alabama or Georgia, it's important to stay informed about the state's traffic laws and take steps to prioritize safety on the road. Whether it’s obeying speed limits, wearing a seatbelt, or avoiding distractions, each of these actions plays a part in reducing the risk of an accident.


Staying aware of how Alabama and Georgia rank in terms of traffic safety can also encourage you to take personal responsibility for safer driving. As both states continue to evaluate and improve their traffic safety laws, drivers can expect to see changes that could ultimately make their roadways safer for everyone.


While progress has been made in both states, there is still much work to be done. With continued attention to this critical issue, Alabama and Georgia can reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries and become leaders in roadway safety.


If you or a loved one has been involved in a traffic accident, it's important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through the legal process. Contact Jinks Crow for support in navigating personal injury claims and stay safe on the road.


 

Source: Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, 2025 Roadmap to Safety. Link.

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