Alabama saw a slight decline in roadway deaths in 2024, according to the newly released Alabama Crash Facts report from the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama.

The annual report, which uses data from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, is available at DriveSafeAlabama.org.

The report shows 967 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes statewide in 2024, down from 975 the year before. Total crashes also dropped, from just over 143,000 in 2023 to slightly more than 140,000 in 2024. Injuries fell about 3%.

Despite the overall improvement, state officials say Alabama continues to struggle with key safety issues. Impaired driving remained a leading cause of fatal crashes, contributing to 187 deaths involving suspected alcohol or drug use. Nearly 60% of those killed were not wearing seatbelts.

Distractions such as cellphone use continue to pose a major threat on Alabama roadways. Younger drivers remain overrepresented in deadly crashes, with about one in four fatalities involving drivers 25 or younger.

“Seeing fewer fatalities in 2024 is an encouraging sign that safety efforts and public awareness are making a difference,” said Drive Safe Alabama Coordinator Amanda Deem. “Still, nearly 1,000 lives were lost on Alabama roads last year. We can prevent most of these deaths by making safer choices like buckling up, limiting distractions and slowing down.”

The data shows rural roads remain deadlier than urban streets, even though most crashes occur in city areas. Higher speeds and longer emergency response times in rural regions often make collisions more severe. Saturdays continued to be the most dangerous day to drive, and the hour between 5 and 6 p.m. was the most deadly.

According to the 2024 Alabama Crash Facts report, Baldwin County recorded 3,375 intersection-related crashes, the fifth highest total in the state. The county also reported 2,779 non-intersection crashes, ranking fourth statewide.

Alabama motorists traveled more than 72 billion miles last year, up about 1% from 2023, reflecting continued growth in vehicle travel statewide.

The Drive Safe Alabama program encourages drivers to stay alert, sober and buckled up. For more information, visit DriveSafeAlabama.org.