Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Birmingham, AL recorded 230 traffic deaths in 217 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 23.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 96/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 96% of ranked US cities (#2 of 52 in Alabama, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Birmingham, Alabama?
Birmingham has a Road Danger Score of 96/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 217 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 230 people — 23.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Birmingham ranks #2 out of 52 ranked cities in Alabama and #78 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 96% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Birmingham's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 60% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Birmingham fell 3% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Birmingham’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 217 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Birmingham | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 24 | 11.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 41 | 18.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 56 | 25.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 131 | 60.4% | 49.8% |
Birmingham Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Birmingham, 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 | 39 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2022 | 51 |
| 2021 | 47 |
| 2020 | 44 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Birmingham, Alabama?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Birmingham recorded 217 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 230 traffic deaths — an average of 46.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Birmingham?
Birmingham has a Road Danger Score of 96/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 96% of ranked US cities. The city averages 23.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Birmingham?
Of Birmingham's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 11% involved a drinking driver, 19% involved speeding, 26% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 60% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Birmingham each year?
An average of 46.0 people per year died in car accidents in Birmingham across 2020–2024 (230 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Birmingham more dangerous than in other Alabama cities?
Birmingham ranks #2 of 52 ranked Alabama cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #78 of 2,153 nationally.