Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Bessemer, AL recorded 36 traffic deaths in 35 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 29.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 98/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 98% of ranked US cities (#1 of 52 in Alabama, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Bessemer, Alabama?
Bessemer has a Road Danger Score of 98/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 35 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 36 people — 29.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Bessemer ranks #1 out of 52 ranked cities in Alabama and #34 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 98% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Bessemer's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 37% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Bessemer fell 0% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Bessemer’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 35 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Bessemer | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 11.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 5.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 13 | 37.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 19 | 54.3% | 49.8% |
Bessemer Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Bessemer, Alabama from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Bessemer, Alabama?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Bessemer recorded 35 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 36 traffic deaths — an average of 7.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Bessemer?
Bessemer has a Road Danger Score of 98/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 98% of ranked US cities. The city averages 29.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Bessemer?
Of Bessemer's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 11% involved a drinking driver, 6% involved speeding, 37% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 54% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Bessemer each year?
An average of 7.2 people per year died in car accidents in Bessemer over the most recent five-year period (36 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Bessemer more dangerous than in other Alabama cities?
Bessemer ranks #1 of 52 ranked Alabama cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #34 of 2,153 nationally.