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Traffic Incidents Involving Savannah Police Vehicles on the Rise in 2024

Increased traffic incidents in Savannah raise safety concerns.

News Summary

Traffic incidents involving Savannah Police vehicles have noticeably increased in 2024, alongside a rise in pedestrian crashes. The Georgia State Patrol provided data showing SPD accidents rising from 99 in 2023 to 128 in 2024, raising concerns among city officials about road safety and pedestrian visibility. The unfortunate accidents have prompted renewed discussions on the Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities. As incidents unfold, community members are called to promote safer road navigation for everyone.

Traffic Incidents Involving Savannah Police Vehicles on the Rise in 2024

In the charming city of Savannah, the landscape of road safety appears to be shifting as reports reveal a notable uptick in traffic incidents involving police vehicles during 2024. These developments come amidst a concerning rise in pedestrian crashes, prompting city officials to take a closer look at traffic safety initiatives.

Data Unveiled by Georgia State Patrol

The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) recently released several vehicle crash reports concerning the Savannah Police Department (SPD), shedding light on the number of incidents including those that involved pedestrians. This data was made available following a records request, allowing residents to gain deeper insight into road safety within their community.

According to the latest reports, the number of pedestrian-related motor vehicle collisions has slightly increased this year compared to last. This uptick is causing a wave of concern among city council members, who have expressed their frustration regarding the slow progress of the Vision Zero initiative. This initiative aims at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries, making the streets safer for everyone.

Increase in Police Vehicle Incidents

In 2024, SPD was involved in two pedestrian-related crashes, a significant increase considering they had no incidents in 2022 and 2023. Interestingly, in both instances this year, the reports indicated that the pedestrians were found at fault, meaning SPD’s response was not deemed preventable.

Overall, the total vehicle accidents involving SPD have increased from 99 in 2023 to 128 in 2024. This rise follows a peak of 118 accidents in 2022, showing a growing trend in incidents involving police vehicles. When looking at the data from 2022 to 2025, SPD officers were often found not at fault (154 incidents) compared to those at fault (141 incidents), indicating a complex picture of road interactions.

Growing Concerns over Traffic Safety

Among the incidents, there have been 69 bodily injury claims related to SPD vehicle accidents over recent years, demonstrating the serious ramifications of these interactions.

One of the more shocking incidents occurred on February 17, 2024, when there was a high-speed collision involving two SPD vehicles at the intersection of 37th St. and Montgomery St.. Both officers involved sustained visible injuries and required medical attention.

As the year progressed, the reports highlighted alarming cases of pedestrian fatalities. On July 3, 2024, a tragic accident claimed the life of a 47-year-old man when he was struck by an SPD vehicle at the busy intersection of Abercorn and Eisenhower streets, a scene complicated by poor visibility due to darkness and rain.

Repeat Tragedies

Another harrowing event unfolded on July 8, 2024, when a 78-year-old man was killed after being struck by a City of Savannah stormwater vehicle while he was seated on a bucket in a parking lot. The confusion surrounding these incidents raises important questions about visibility and awareness on the roads.

The situation worsened with a major incident on December 5, 2024, when a 16-year-old sustained severe injuries, including a broken leg and internal injuries, after being hit by an SPD vehicle. Witnesses noted that the teenager was running swiftly into the roadway from a poorly lit area, which did not have a designated crosswalk.

A Bright Spot in Raises Concerns

While the exact speed of the police vehicles before these accidents remains uncertain, various reports have underscored the need for better pedestrian visibility. It’s worth mentioning that some pedestrians involved in these incidents were reportedly wearing dark clothing, compounding the visibility issues on Savannah’s busy streets.

As Savannah faces these traffic incident challenges, city officials and community members are urged to foster a culture of safety. The uptick in accidents, especially involving police vehicles, prompts more conversations on how best to ensure that all road users—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists—can safely navigate the city.