In 2024, Alabama recorded approximately 140,118 motor vehicle crashes statewide, representing a slight decrease from more than 143,000 crashes reported in 2023. There were about 967 traffic fatalities in Alabama in 2024, which was slightly lower than the 974 deaths reported in 2023. Traffic crashes in Alabama caused over 36,601 injuries in 2024, showing a small decline compared to previous years. Alcohol or drug impairment remains a major concern. Approximately 187 fatalities involved suspected alcohol or drug use in Alabama crashes. Crash reports indicate that nearly 60% of people killed in Alabama traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts, highlighting the importance of seat belt safety. In 2024, Alabama reported about 2,044 crashes in highway work zones, including 15 fatalities and more than 500 injuries.
Passenger car occupants accounted for approximately 36% (351 fatalities) of all traffic deaths in Alabama.
Motorcycle riders represented about 10% (94 fatalities) of the total traffic fatalities.
Occupants of light trucks and SUVs made up roughly 35% (343 fatalities) of all traffic deaths.
Fatalities involving buses and public transportation accounted for around 1% (10 fatalities).
Crashes involving semi or tractor-trailers contributed approximately 2% (23 fatalities).
Pedestrians comprised about 13% (124 fatalities) of the total traffic deaths in Alabama.
Considered Alabama's deadliest highway, US-431 is infamous for fatal crashes, blind curves, steep hills, poor visibility and sudden lane changes. The road stretches from Dothan to the Tennessee border and has long been associated with high accident rates.
Alabama's busiest north-south interstate sees heavy commuter and freight traffic through Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. Congestion, hydroplaning risks and frequent multi-vehicle crashes make it one of the state's most hazardous highways.
The stretch between Leeds and Pell City is especially dangerous due to steep grades, truck traffic, sudden weather changes and high-speed driving. Large pileups and fatal crashes are common along this corridor.
Running through Birmingham and central Alabama, Highway 280 is notorious for heavy congestion, constant lane changes, busy intersections and aggressive driving. Shelby County officials recently identified it as one of the worst crash corridors in the state.
This Birmingham interchange is one of Alabama's most dangerous traffic areas because of short merge lanes, confusing ramps, bottlenecks, and extremely heavy traffic volume. Multi-vehicle crashes happen frequently here.
Single vehicle fatal car accidents happen in rural areas and on highways around Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.
of fatal car accidents in Alabama happen in rural areas.
Multiple vehicle fatal car accidents happen in high-traffic metro areas, particularly around Birmingham interstates such as I-65, I-20 and I-59.
of fatal car accidents in Alabama happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
The Blindfold Driving Law: The state of Alabama has an oddly specific law explicitly prohibiting driving a motor vehicle while wearing a blindfold on a public road. It is painfully obvious to most people that partaking in such an activity will most likely lead to some unfortunate consequences. However, the fact that Alabama lawmakers felt compelled to specifically add this law in the state legislation does pose the question of if this law was prompted by actual events.
The Ice Cream Truck Law: In Alabama, ice cream trucks roots are regulated and governed by specific laws governing where and when they are permitted to operate on public roads. Drivers must operate under a very specific and carefully regulated set of legal guidelines.
The Bear Wrestling Law: This is another one of those unusual laws specific to the state of Alabama. This law makes it illegal to promote, engage in or be employed at a bear wrestling match. While this has absolutely nothing to do with driving, one can only imagine if this law was not on the books, would the state have bear wrestling roadside attractions?
The Driving Through a Cemetery Shortcut Law: In Alabama, it’s illegal to drive through a cemetery for any purpose other than visiting a grave or attending a funeral service. This law aims to prevent drivers from using cemeteries as shortcuts. The state law is firmly on the side of the dearly departed.
The Dominoes on Sunday Law: In Alabama, it is illegal to play dominoes on a Sunday. This is another antiquated old law that has nothing directly to do with driving; however, if you are a dominoes enthusiast and driving through the state on a Sunday, this should be something you should be aware of.
The Flicking Boogers Law: This is another one of those unusually oddly specific Alabama laws. This law makes it illegal to flick boogers into the wind on a public road. While most people would consider this common courtesy rather than a legal requirement, the fact that Alabama lawmakers felt it was necessary to enact this law makes you wonder how much of an issue this must have been prior to the law.
The Silly String Ban: In Mobile, Alabama, it is illegal to use Silly String on public roads and in public spaces without a permit. This law is aimed at preventing littering, especially during parades and celebrations.
The No Driving in Reverse on a Main Road Law: In Alabama, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle in reverse on public roads or highways. Another one of those common sense things that was written into law in the state of Alabama.
The Putting Salt on Railroad Tracks Law: In Alabama, it is illegal to put salt on a railroad track and doing so is considered a criminal offense that can carry serious penalties, including potential jail time. While this sounds like another one of those weird Alabama laws it’s rooted in the fact that putting salt on the railroad tracks can damage the tracks and pose serious safety risks.
The No Masks While Driving Ban: In Alabama, drivers are banned from wearing a mask or disguise while operating a motor vehicle on a public road without a legitimate reason.
The Horn Honking Etiquette Law: In Alabama, it is considered illegal to honk your horn in a way that could be interpreted as threatening or aggressive toward another driver or pedestrian on a public road.
The Motorized Shopping Cart Law: Another oddly specific Alabama law restricts operating a motorized shopping cart on a public road or highway.
The Cattle Crossing Law: In Alabama, drivers are legally required to yield to cattle crossing a public road, regardless of the size of the herd or the amount of traffic backed up behind them. The law is firmly and unambiguously on the side of the cattle.
The Road Trip Souvenir Law: In Alabama, it is illegal to take certain natural materials such as rocks, plants, or soil from public lands without a permit, even as road trip souvenirs. This law is primarily enforced in state parks, prohibiting visitors from damaging the landscape and removing arrowheads and other historical artefacts as souvenirs.