Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Alabama recorded 4,841 traffic deaths in 4,438 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 19.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #7 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
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 (5-Yr) | 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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.