Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Alabama recorded 4,841 traffic deaths in 4,438 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 19.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #7 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Alabama Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Alabama Cities to Drive In
All 52 ranked Alabama cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bessemer | 98/100 | 36 | 29.1 |
| 2 | Birmingham | 96/100 | 230 | 23.5 |
| 3 | Valley | 95/100 | 11 | 21.5 |
| 4 | Prichard | 95/100 | 20 | 21.4 |
| 5 | Phenix City | 95/100 | 41 | 21.4 |
| 6 | Cullman | 94/100 | 21 | 20.6 |
| 7 | Scottsboro | 94/100 | 16 | 20.1 |
| 8 | Gulf Shores | 92/100 | 16 | 18.4 |
| 9 | Talladega | 91/100 | 13 | 17.8 |
| 10 | Oxford | 88/100 | 18 | 16.3 |
| 11 | Opelika | 88/100 | 28 | 16.3 |
| 12 | Montgomery | 88/100 | 157 | 16.2 |
| 13 | Northport | 88/100 | 25 | 16.2 |
| 14 | Albertville | 86/100 | 18 | 15.5 |
| 15 | Gadsden | 86/100 | 25 | 15.1 |
| 16 | Russellville | 85/100 | 8 | 15.0 |
| 17 | Sylacauga | 85/100 | 9 | 14.9 |
| 18 | Eufaula | 84/100 | 9 | 14.6 |
| 19 | Saraland | 84/100 | 12 | 14.5 |
| 20 | Boaz | 81/100 | 7 | 13.4 |
| 21 | Anniston | 80/100 | 14 | 13.3 |
| 22 | Mobile | 79/100 | 154 | 13.0 |
| 23 | Jasper | 77/100 | 9 | 12.5 |
| 24 | Selma | 76/100 | 10 | 12.3 |
| 25 | Huntsville | 72/100 | 132 | 11.5 |
| 26 | Decatur | 71/100 | 33 | 11.3 |
| 27 | Ozark | 70/100 | 8 | 11.1 |
| 28 | Trussville | 70/100 | 15 | 11.1 |
| 29 | Enterprise | 70/100 | 17 | 11.1 |
| 30 | Dothan | 67/100 | 38 | 10.7 |
| 31 | Muscle Shoals | 66/100 | 9 | 10.3 |
| 32 | Hartselle | 65/100 | 8 | 10.0 |
| 33 | Leeds | 62/100 | 6 | 9.6 |
| 34 | Fort Payne | 60/100 | 7 | 9.3 |
| 35 | Tuscaloosa | 60/100 | 53 | 9.3 |
| 36 | Athens | 55/100 | 14 | 8.5 |
| 37 | Troy | 49/100 | 7 | 7.8 |
| 38 | Calera | 47/100 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 39 | Daphne | 44/100 | 11 | 7.0 |
| 40 | Pell City | 44/100 | 5 | 7.0 |
| 41 | Florence | 43/100 | 15 | 7.0 |
| 42 | Hoover | 40/100 | 30 | 6.5 |
| 43 | Auburn | 40/100 | 27 | 6.4 |
| 44 | Pelham | 39/100 | 8 | 6.3 |
| 45 | Prattville | 37/100 | 12 | 6.0 |
| 46 | Homewood | 26/100 | 7 | 5.0 |
| 47 | Mountain Brook | 23/100 | 5 | 4.7 |
| 48 | Foley | 17/100 | 5 | 3.8 |
| 49 | Madison | 14/100 | 10 | 3.2 |
| 50 | Fairhope | 13/100 | 4 | 3.1 |
| 51 | Vestavia Hills | 7/100 | 4 | 2.1 |
| 52 | Alabaster | 6/100 | 3 | 1.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Alabama?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 4,438 fatal car accidents in Alabama from 2020 to 2024, killing 4,841 people — an average of 968 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Alabama roads compared to other states?
Alabama averages 19.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #7 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Alabama?
Of Alabama's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 25% involved a drinking driver, 27% involved speeding, and 48% happened in dark conditions.
Which Alabama city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Alabama cities, Bessemer has the highest Road Danger Score (98/100) at 29.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.