Alabama ranked one of America’s deadliest states for pedestrians

Alabama has been flagged as one of the deadliest states in the nation for those traveling on foot. According to the 2026 Dangerous by Design report, a pedestrian safety study released by the nonprofit Smart Growth America, the state recorded 594 pedestrian fatalities between 2020 and 2024.

This figure represents an increase of 31 deaths compared to the 563 recorded during the 2015-2019 period. Consequently, Alabama now ranks as the 14th most dangerous state for pedestrians in the U.S.

National Trends and Disparities

The data, which draws from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis reporting system, paints a concerning picture. Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities surged by 45% between 2014 and 2024, climbing from 4,884 to 7,080. Much of this rise is concentrated in the Sunbelt, where rapid city growth has often outpaced infrastructure development.

The report highlights that these safety issues do not impact everyone equally. People of color, older adults, and individuals living in low-income communities face significantly higher risks. “The disparities in pedestrian fatalities are not random,” the report states, noting they are the result of decades of transportation investments that prioritize vehicle speed over the safety of those navigating communities on foot.

Local Perspectives and Metro Rankings

While the overall state numbers are sobering, metro areas show varying results. Memphis, Tennessee, held the title of the most dangerous metro for pedestrians for the second consecutive time. Locally, the Birmingham metro area (formerly known as Birmingham-Hoover) was ranked the 39th most dangerous in 2024. Despite seeing 131 pedestrian deaths between 2020 and 2024—a small increase of 16 fatalities over the previous five-year block—the metro area actually improved its relative ranking.

Birmingham-based infrastructure expert Daniel Christiansen has noted previously that the reliability of this report is tied to the quality of data collected by local municipalities.

A Call for Design Reform

The report points to state-owned roads as a primary site of danger, noting that over half of all 2024 pedestrian fatalities occurred on these routes. Smart Growth America argues that state departments of transportation have the resources and influence to change this narrative if they prioritize safety-first design standards.

By implementing street designs that slow traffic and improve visibility, similar to successful initiatives in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, officials could significantly lower mortality rates. “Improved street designs need to be implemented as universally as vehicle safety standards were,” the authors conclude. “Auto manufacturers are not allowed to forego airbags because of cost, aesthetics, or inconvenience. Street design changes that have been repeatedly proven to save lives similarly can’t be counted as optional for transportation engineers and other practitioners.”