Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Gadsden, AL recorded 25 traffic deaths in 20 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 15.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 86/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 86% of ranked US cities (#14 of 52 in Alabama, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Gadsden, Alabama?
Gadsden has a Road Danger Score of 86/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 20 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 25 people — 15.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Gadsden ranks #14 out of 52 ranked cities in Alabama and #295 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 86% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Gadsden's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 60% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Gadsden fell 0% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Gadsden’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 20 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Gadsden | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 15.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 5.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 5 | 25.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 12 | 60.0% | 49.8% |
Gadsden Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Gadsden, 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 | 8 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Gadsden, Alabama?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Gadsden recorded 20 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 25 traffic deaths — an average of 5.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Gadsden?
Gadsden has a Road Danger Score of 86/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 86% of ranked US cities. The city averages 15.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Gadsden?
Of Gadsden's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 15% involved a drinking driver, 5% involved speeding, 25% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 60% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Gadsden each year?
An average of 5.0 people per year died in car accidents in Gadsden across 2020–2024 (25 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Gadsden more dangerous than in other Alabama cities?
Gadsden ranks #14 of 52 ranked Alabama cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #295 of 2,153 nationally.