Fatal Crashes Only
This report covers fatal crashes only, from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System — the federal census of every crash on a US public road that killed someone within 30 days. It does not include injury or property-damage-only crashes, and its totals are not comparable with the all-severity crash reports published elsewhere on this site.
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YEAR-OVER-YEAR CRASH REPORT · ALABAMA · 2021
Purpose: Machine-readable JSON endpoint for AI agents, LLMs, researchers, and programmatic consumers. Returns all underlying crash data and AI-generated commentary without HTML.
Authentication: None required. Public endpoint.
GET: https://thatcarhitme.com/api/crash-data/reports/data/alabama/fatal/statewide/2021-annual-report
Yearly Traffic Safety Analysis
885 CRASHES IN
ALABAMA
2021
In 2021, Alabama recorded 885 fatal crashes, a 3.9% increase from the 852 fatal crashes in 2020. This resulted in 983 fatalities, up from 934 the previous year. One of the most significant changes was a 25.7% increase in pedestrian fatalities, which rose from 101 in 2020 to 127 in 2021.
885
▲ 3.9%was 852
Total Crash Events
983
▲ 5.2%was 934
Persons Killed
611
▲ 0.5%was 608
Persons Injured
33
▲ 6.5%was 31
Hit-and-Run Crashes
Note: "Persons Killed" (983) counts individual fatalities across all crash events. "Fatal" in the severity table below (885) counts crash events where at least one fatality occurred. A single crash can result in multiple fatalities.
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Aggregate counts from crash, person, and vehicle records
Trend Summary
Fatal crashes in Alabama trended upward in 2021 compared to the prior year. The state saw an increase in fatal crashes from 852 in 2020 to 885 in 2021, a rise of 3.9%. Similarly, the number of people killed in these crashes grew by 5.2%, from 934 to 983.
33
Hit-and-Run Crashes — 2021
▲ 6.5% vs prior (31)
The number of fatal hit-and-run crashes saw a slight increase, rising from 31 in 2020 to 33 in 2021. The corresponding rate of fatal hit-and-runs as a percentage of all fatal crashes also edged up slightly, from 3.6% to 3.7%.
Vulnerable Road User Casualties
127
Pedestrians Killed
7
Cyclists Killed
847
Motorists Killed
2
Other Killed
4
Pedestrians Injured
0
Cyclists Injured
607
Motorists Injured
0
Other Injured
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Mode classified from person records (driver/passenger → motorist; pedestrian; bicyclist → cyclist; in-line skater / unspecified → other)
When Crashes Happen
The timing of fatal crashes showed some shifts between the two periods. The peak day for fatal crashes moved from Saturday (158 crashes) in 2020 to Friday (147 crashes) in 2021. The peak hour also shifted slightly later, from 5 p.m. in the prior period (59 crashes) to 6 p.m. in the current period (65 crashes).
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash date field aggregated by weekday
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash time field aggregated by hour (0-23)
Road & Environmental Conditions
Fatal crashes in 'Dark - Not Lighted' conditions increased from 252 in 2020 to 294 in 2021, while crashes in 'Daylight' remained relatively stable (415 vs 422). Similarly, while most fatal crashes in both years occurred in 'Clear' weather, there was a notable rise in crashes during 'Rain,' from 91 in the prior period to 120 in the current period.
Weather
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Weather condition at time of crash
Lighting
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Lighting condition field
Vehicles & Demographics
The most common vehicle makes involved in fatal crashes shifted slightly year-over-year. In 2021, Chevrolet was the most frequent make with 212 vehicles, overtaking Ford, which had 200. In the prior year, Ford led with 200 vehicles, followed by Chevrolet with 178. Toyota remained the third most common make in both periods, with involvement increasing from 120 to 128 vehicles.
Top Vehicle Makes (1,382 vehicles)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Vehicle unit records
70 persons with unknown or unrecorded age excluded from age chart.
Sex Distribution (2,169 persons with recorded sex)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Person-level records linked to crash events
Speed Limit Zones
The distribution of fatal crashes across speed zones remained largely consistent year-over-year, with the 55 mph and 45 mph zones accounting for the highest numbers in both periods. In 2021, there were 269 fatal crashes in 55 mph zones and 214 in 45 mph zones. This compares to 233 and 219 crashes in those respective zones in 2020. Fatal crashes in 70 mph zones also saw an increase, rising from 86 to 103.
Fatal crashes by zone: 15 mph: 2 of 2 (100%) · 20 mph: 1 of 1 (100%) · 25 mph: 19 of 19 (100%) · 30 mph: 16 of 16 (100%) · 35 mph: 55 of 55 (100%) · 40 mph: 52 of 52 (100%) · 45 mph: 214 of 214 (100%) · 50 mph: 43 of 43 (100%) · 55 mph: 269 of 269 (100%) · 60 mph: 16 of 16 (100%) · 65 mph: 69 of 69 (100%) · 70 mph: 103 of 103 (100%)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Posted speed limit at crash location
Manner of Collision
Single-vehicle crashes, where the first harmful event was not a collision with another vehicle in transport, remained the most common type of fatal crash, accounting for 505 incidents in 2021, nearly unchanged from 501 in 2020. Among multi-vehicle collisions, 'Angle' crashes were stable at 152 incidents, while 'Front-to-Front' collisions increased from 111 to 131.
Manner of Collision
"Other" combines 1 smaller categories (2 records): Other (2).
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records
Vehicle Type
Four-door sedans were the most common vehicle type in fatal crashes, with their involvement increasing from 377 in 2020 to 420 in 2021. Light pickups were the second most common, though their count decreased from 275 to 249. The number of motorcycles involved in fatal crashes rose from 73 to 78, while large truck involvement saw a slight decrease from 138 to 131 vehicles.
Vehicle Type
Showing top 9 of 31 reported. 22 additional (162 total) not shown: 5-door/4-door hatchback, Large Van-Includes van-based buses (B150-B350, Sportsman, Royal Maxiwagon, Ram, Tradesman,...), ATV/ATC [All-Terrain Cycle], Convertible(excludes sun-roof,t-bar), Single-unit straight truck or Cab-Chassis (GVWR range 10,001 to 19,500 lbs.), Single-unit straight truck or Cab-Chassis (GVWR greater than 26,000 lbs.), 3-door/2-door hatchback, Unknown body type, Medium/heavy Pickup (GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs.), Single-unit straight truck or Cab-Chassis (GVWR range 19,501 to 26,000 lbs.), Utility station wagon (includes suburban limousines, Suburban, Travellall, Grand Wagoneer), Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle, Unknown medium/heavy truck type, Other vehicle type (includes go-cart, fork-lift, city street sweeper dunes/swamp buggy), Off-road Motorcycle, Unknown light vehicle type (automobile,utility vehicle, van, or light truck), Farm equipment other than trucks, Medium/Heavy Vehicle Based Motor Home, Unknown light truck type, Construction equipment other than trucks (includes graders), Other or Unknown automobile type, Golf Cart.
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Vehicle unit records
Rural vs Urban
Fatal crashes continued to occur more frequently in rural areas than urban areas, though the gap narrowed in 2021. The number of fatal crashes in rural settings was nearly unchanged at 462, compared to 459 in 2020. However, fatal crashes in urban areas increased from 392 to 423. Rural roads carry a disproportionate share of fatalities, accounting for 52.2% of all fatal crashes in 2021.
Rural vs Urban
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records
Roadway Functional Class
Arterial roadways accounted for the largest number of fatal crashes in both years. In 2021, 'Principal Arterial - Other' roads saw 252 fatal crashes, an increase from 233 in 2020. Fatal crashes on 'Minor Arterial' roads were unchanged at 201. There was also a notable increase in fatal crashes on Interstates, which rose from 114 in 2020 to 133 in 2021.
Roadway Functional Class
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records
Roadway Ownership
Roadways owned by the State Highway Agency continued to be the site of the majority of fatal crashes, with the number increasing from 521 in 2020 to 570 in 2021. Fatal crashes on County Highway Agency roads also saw a slight rise from 207 to 219. Conversely, fatal incidents on roads owned by City or Municipal Highway Agencies decreased from 122 to 96.
Roadway Ownership
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records
Person Type
Drivers were the largest group of individuals involved in fatal crashes, with their numbers increasing from 1,297 in 2020 to 1,370 in 2021. The number of passengers involved remained stable at 662 compared to 647. Notably, the count of pedestrians involved increased from 108 to 132, while the number of bicyclists decreased from 10 to 7.
Person Type
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records
Person Injury Severity
The number of fatalities resulting from these crashes rose from 934 in 2020 to 983 in 2021. In the same period, the count of individuals with serious injuries decreased from 294 to 275. The number of people involved in these fatal incidents but sustaining no injuries increased from 530 to 597.
Person Injury Severity
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records
Occupant Safety Equipment
Reported use of safety equipment showed a notable shift year-over-year. The number of occupants involved in fatal crashes who used a shoulder and lap belt increased from 1,001 in 2020 to 1,148 in 2021. Correspondingly, the count of individuals recorded as 'None Used/Not Applicable'—a category that includes unrestrained occupants—decreased from 730 to 662.
Occupant Safety Equipment
"Other" combines 2 smaller categories (4 records): Shoulder Belt Only Used (3), Child Restraint Type Unknown (1).
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Person-level records linked to crash events
Point of Impact
Frontal impacts remained the most common point of impact on vehicles involved in fatal crashes, accounting for 834 vehicles in 2021, a slight increase from 812 in the prior year. Rear impacts were the second most frequent, with the number of vehicles struck at the '6 Clock Point' increasing from 87 to 104.
Point of Impact
"Other" combines 13 smaller categories (155 records): 10 Clock Point (35), 2 Clock Point (27), Undercarriage (18), 8 Clock Point (18), 7 Clock Point (13), Reported as Unknown (13), 5 Clock Point (12), 4 Clock Point (8), Top (5), Cargo/Vehicle Parts Set-In-Motion (2), Right (2), Right-Front Side (1), Left (1).
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Vehicle unit records
Vehicles Per Crash
Single-vehicle incidents were the most frequent type of fatal crash, though their count decreased slightly from 463 in 2020 to 456 in 2021. Conversely, the number of fatal crashes involving two vehicles increased from 326 to 365. Crashes involving three or more vehicles remained relatively stable.
Vehicles Per Crash
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records
Data Sources & Methodology
Primary Data Source
All crash data in this report is sourced from NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes), accessed programmatically via the NHTSA FARS Open Data API (SODA). This dataset contains official police-reported motor vehicle traffic crash records maintained by the reporting jurisdiction's law enforcement agency. Records are published to the open data portal by the municipality and are subject to the portal's terms of use.
Data Retrieval
- Access method: NHTSA FARS Open Data API (SoQL queries)
- Data format: Structured JSON via REST API
- Record types queried: Crash events, person records, and vehicle unit records
- Date filter applied: 2021-01-01 through 2021-12-31
- Report generated: August 5, 2026
Data Coverage
- Reporting period: 2021-01-01 through 2021-12-31 (365 days)
- Geographic scope: Alabama
- Total crash records analyzed: 885
- Total persons involved: 2,191
- Total vehicles involved: 1,382
Analytical Methodology
- Severity classification: Uses the KABCO injury scale (K=Fatal, A=Incapacitating injury, B=Non-incapacitating injury, C=Possible injury, O=No injury/property damage only), the standard classification in U.S. Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC). Severity is assigned per crash event based on the most severe injury in that crash. A single fatal crash (K) may involve multiple fatalities; therefore the "Persons Killed" count in the headline KPIs may differ from the "Fatal" crash count in the severity breakdown.
- Contributing factors: Reflect the officer-determined primary contributory cause recorded at the time of the crash report. These are preliminary determinations and may not reflect final investigation findings.
- Hit-and-run classification: Based on the hit-and-run indicator field in the official crash report, as determined by the responding officer at the scene.
- Temporal analysis: Day-of-week and hour-of-day distributions are computed from the crash date/time timestamp in each record.
- Demographics: Age and sex distributions are drawn from person-level records linked to each crash event. A single crash may involve multiple persons.
- Vehicle data: Make information is drawn from vehicle unit records linked to each crash event.
- AI commentary: Narrative sections are generated by Google Gemini (large language model) based on the structured data. Commentary is descriptive, not predictive, and should not be interpreted as expert opinion.
Limitations & Disclaimers
- Only crashes reported to and documented by law enforcement are included. Minor incidents, unreported crashes, and near-misses are not captured in this dataset.
- Data reflects conditions at the time of the initial police report and may be subject to subsequent corrections, reclassifications, or supplements by the reporting agency.
- Open data portal records may experience a publication lag - recently occurring crashes may not yet appear in the dataset at the time of report generation.
- AI-generated commentary is produced by a large language model and is intended to highlight patterns in the data. It does not constitute legal, medical, or professional analysis.
- Percentages are calculated from reported data and are subject to rounding.
Non-Affiliation Disclosure
This report is produced independently by ThatCarHitMe.com (Injuria.ai). It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in partnership with any law enforcement agency, municipal government, state department of transportation, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Data is sourced from publicly available government open data portals.
Data License
The underlying crash data is provided under the municipality's Open Data Terms of Use and is made available to the public for unrestricted use. This analysis and report is © 2026 Injuria.ai and may be cited with attribution using the suggested citation below.
Corrections & Feedback
If you believe any data in this report is inaccurate or have questions about our methodology, please contact: data@injuria.ai. We are committed to accuracy and will issue corrections promptly.
Suggested Citation
ThatCarHitMe.com (Injuria.ai). "Alabama Crash Intelligence Report: 2021." Published August 5, 2026. Reporting period: 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31. Data source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes), NHTSA FARS Open Data. Available at: https://thatcarhitme.com/crash-data/alabama/fatal/statewide/2021-annual-report
About the Publisher
ThatCarHitMe.com is a crash data intelligence platform developed by Injuria.ai, a legal technology company specializing in traffic safety analytics. We aggregate and analyze publicly available government crash data to produce structured intelligence reports for communities, researchers, journalists, and legal professionals. Our reports combine programmatic data retrieval from official open data portals with AI-assisted narrative analysis.
Questions about this report's data or methodology: data@injuria.ai
ThatCarHitMe.com · An Injuria.ai Company
ThatCarHitMe.com
An Injuria.ai Company
Crash Data Intelligence
Data: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · NHTSA FARS
Period: 2021-01-01 – 2021-12-31
Generated: August 5, 2026 · All rights reserved
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