In Georgia, the data shows an even larger decrease, almost 9% from 2022 to 2023. According to NHTSA, 40,990 people died in motor vehicle crashes last year.

Over a decade ago, Nicole Griensewic was tasked with reshaping Region 9, the nine-county economic development commission, which was searching for direction. She sensed it might take some time.

According to NHTSA, 40,990 people died in motor vehicle crashes last year. For Georgia, fatalities fell to 1,638 in 2023, down 8.8% from 2022′s 1,797 traffic deaths.