In an age where headlines often run ahead of facts, and public figures are judged by accusation rather than truth, it’s worth pausing to acknowledge when a local leader chooses integrity over optics. This week, Georgia State Representative Devan Seabaugh released a public statement regarding a traffic incident that occurred in August 2024, a statement that reflects character, responsibility, and a willingness to be transparent with the people he serves.
Below is Rep. Seabaugh’s full statement:
“After months of reflection and prayerful conversations with my family, I made the decision today to accept responsibility for my part in a traffic incident that occurred last August and bring this chapter to a close. I entered a plea of guilty to two traffic offenses: failure to yield to a cyclist and violating Georgia’s basic rules of the road. These are traffic violations not criminal charges, and I take them seriously. After reviewing the evidence, the more serious allegations of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs were dismissed by the prosecution. From the very beginning, I have maintained that I was not impaired and I’m grateful that the facts ultimately supported that truth.
The incident occurred at night on a stretch of Memorial Drive in Atlanta. I unknowingly turned right into an unmarked bike lane that was still under construction, with no signage, no markings, and no barriers indicating its designation. By the time I realized it was being used as a bike lane, I was already in the lane and trying to find a safe way to exit. Tragically, I struck a bicycle that had been laid on the ground by a cyclist who, thankfully, acted quickly to get out of the way. I’ve carried the weight of that moment with me every day since, and I remain deeply grateful that no one was seriously hurt.
After eight months of ongoing scrutiny my wife and I felt it was time to accept the consequences for the traffic errors I made, fulfill my obligations to the court, and move forward. My decision reflects my commitment to take responsibility for my actions, not an admission to something I did not do.
As a public servant, I know my actions are subject to greater scrutiny and I accept that accountability with humility and transparency. I remain thankful for the professionalism shown by law enforcement, the court, and legal counsel throughout this process and most importantly, I’m thankful the situation did not have a more tragic outcome.”
This is what accountability looks like. Rep. Seabaugh didn’t deflect. He didn’t spin. He took ownership where it was appropriate, traffic infractions, and stood firm on the facts that matter: he was not impaired, the most serious charges were dropped, and he cooperated fully throughout the process.
But unfortunately, that’s not how some in the media framed it. In today’s hyper-political climate, even a traffic ticket involving a public figure becomes clickbait. That’s not journalism, it’s judgment. And it speaks to a double standard that too often turns principled public servants into targets for sensational headlines.
Let’s be honest: this could have happened to anyone. A confusing construction zone, poorly marked bike lanes, and a split-second decision with unintended consequences. The difference is, Rep. Seabaugh didn’t use excuses, he used it as a moment to model leadership.
Rep. Seabaugh’s actions reflect the kind of character we should expect from our leaders, and the kind of honesty that should be respected. The voters of Cobb County deserve the full story, not just the headline.
