A pre-dawn collision on Thursday disrupted power service for over 1,000 residents in Sandy Springs when a driver struck a utility pole on Roswell Road. According to Sandy Springs Police, the incident occurred when the motorist fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in their vehicle colliding with a Georgia Power Company pole. The crash prompted authorities to close Roswell Road in both directions between Spalding Drive and Trowbridge Road. Emergency response teams and Georgia Power crews quickly mobilized to address the situation. Despite the significant impact, no injuries were reported in the incident. Power company technicians worked efficiently to restore service to the 1,036 affected customers, with full restoration completed by approximately 7:15 a.m. Following the completion of repairs and removal of debris, the roadway was reopened to traffic and utility crews cleared the scene.

Location and Infrastructure

The affected section of Roswell Road serves as a major north-south arterial corridor through Sandy Springs, connecting the city to neighboring Atlanta and Roswell. This stretch of roadway, particularly the segment north of Spalding Drive, features multiple commercial developments and residential access points. The area experiences heavy commuter traffic during peak hours, as it serves as a primary route for residents traveling between Atlanta's northern suburbs and the city center. Multiple MARTA bus routes utilize this corridor, and the road typically maintains a posted speed limit of 45 mph with multiple traffic signals managing flow at major intersections.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Georgia Code § 40-6-390, drivers have a legal obligation to maintain control of their vehicle at all times, and drowsy driving can constitute a form of negligent operation. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system, allowing affected parties to seek compensation for damages when they are less than 50% at fault. Property damage claims, including those related to utility infrastructure, typically must be filed within four years of the incident, while personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations. Affected residents may be eligible to file claims with their insurance providers for losses related to power interruption, particularly if such coverage is included in their homeowner's policies.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Sandy Springs Police Department: (770) 551-6900
• Sandy Springs Fire Department: (770) 730-5600
• Georgia Power Emergency Outage Reporting: 1-888-891-0938

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Sandy Springs Traffic Management Center
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
• Georgia Department of Transportation District 7 Office

Support Services:

• Sandy Springs Municipal Court
• Georgia Consumer Protection Division
• Georgia Bar Association Referral Service

Traffic Laws and Regulations:

• Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Title 40
• Sandy Springs Municipal Code Chapter 42 - Traffic and Vehicles
• Georgia Driver's Manual