Pedestrian Deaths Are Surging in Alabama, And Many Are Preventable

An 80% rise in pedestrian deaths over 15 years just isn’t acceptable

In cities and small towns across Alabama, more people are being struck and killed while walking. What used to be considered a rare tragedy is happening far too often, prompting safety experts and law enforcement to sound the alarm.

According to AAA Alabama, pedestrian deaths have increased by 80 percent in the last 15 years. That kind of jump doesn’t happen by accident. It points to a mix of changing driving habits, poor infrastructure, and a general lack of awareness from both sides of the road. The truth is, every time we step off the curb, we rely on everyone around us to pay attention.

With October marking National Pedestrian Safety Month, now is a good time to shine a light on the problem and explain how an experienced Alabama pedestrian accident lawyer can help if you or someone you love has been injured by a negligent driver.

Why are pedestrian deaths climbing so sharply in Alabama?

Several factors are fueling this rise in Alabama pedestrian fatalities. Vehicles are bigger and heavier than they used to be, meaning even a low-speed impact can be deadly. Distracted driving has exploded with smartphones, and speeding remains one of the most common causes of fatal crashes.

In Alabama, the numbers tell a grim story. From 2015 to 2022, there were 769 pedestrian-related crashes that led to 125 deaths, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. More than half of these tragedies happen at night.

Clay Ingram, who works in public relations for AAA Alabama, says the problem is especially bad in neighborhoods that lack sidewalks, crosswalks, or streetlights. “The vast majority of them happen outside the downtown area in economically and socially challenged areas,” he explained. “More than half of these fatalities happen at night.”

When basic safety features are missing, walking can turn from healthy to hazardous in seconds.

How can drivers help prevent pedestrian deaths in Alabama?

The first rule is to focus on the road. Distractions are now one of the leading causes of pedestrian-related crashes. A glance at a text, a quick scroll through music options, or even eating while driving can steal your attention at the worst possible moment.

Trooper McKinney warns that “if you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds, you might not notice that pedestrian off to the side.”

Other key habits can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy:

• Obey the speed limit: Speed not only increases stopping distance but also the severity of injuries.
• Never drive impaired: Drugs and alcohol blur reaction time and reduce your ability to notice movement along the road’s edge.
• Stay alert: Expect pedestrians everywhere, including in neighborhoods, parking lots, rural areas, and near bus stops.

Good driving is about anticipation. Scan sidewalks and shoulders, especially in dim light or rain. Treat every shadow or movement as a person until you know otherwise.

What role does infrastructure play in protecting pedestrians?

Even the safest pedestrian and the most careful driver can do only so much if the road itself is unsafe. Alabama (and much of the U.S.) still has too many roads designed primarily for cars, not people.

Missing sidewalks, poor lighting, and long distances between safe crossings force pedestrians into harm’s way. Wide roads with high speed limits make it harder for drivers to react quickly.

AAA’s Clay Ingram points out that many fatal incidents occur in lower-income areas where upgrades are slow to arrive. Fixing that means investing in safer design, such as sidewalks, flashing crosswalks, streetlights, and “complete streets” policies that consider everyone who uses the road, not just vehicles.

Communities can also push for Vision Zero-style programs that aim to eliminate traffic deaths entirely by combining better engineering, education, and enforcement. Cities that have adopted these approaches often see measurable drops in fatalities within just a few years.

What if there are no sidewalks where you're walking?

Drivers have the greatest power to prevent pedestrian crashes, as well as the greatest responsibility. Every person walking, running, or pushing a stroller depends on drivers to slow down, stay alert, and yield the right of way. But not every street in Alabama is built with pedestrians in mind, which can put people at risk even when they’re being careful.

Plenty of Alabamians live in areas without sidewalks. If that’s you, here are some safety tips for those situations:

• Walk facing traffic so you can see vehicles coming.
• Stay as far off the roadway as possible.
• Grassy shoulders or driveways are better than pavement edges.
• Avoid blind curves and hills where drivers have limited sightlines.
• At night, make yourself a moving spotlight. That includes wearing reflective strips on clothing or bags, carrying a flashlight, or even a reflective leash if you’re walking a dog. It’s not about fashion; it’s about being seen before it’s too late.

Trooper McKinney also recommends assuming the worst. Act as though drivers don’t see you, and position yourself defensively. If a car is coming, step farther away, not closer.

If your neighborhood lacks basic walking infrastructure, speak up. Report unsafe sections to your city or county, join local safety groups, or petition for sidewalk projects. Many municipalities have grant programs that fund these improvements when residents push for them.

Injured in an Alabama pedestrian accident? Make the call that matters...

If a careless driver’s actions turned your world upside down, don’t try to weather that storm alone. Dean Waite & Associates, LLC has helped countless Alabamians rebuild after devastating pedestrian accidents. Our team knows how to cut through the confusion of police reports, stubborn insurance adjusters, and mounting medical bills.

When you schedule your free consultation, you won’t be met with pressure or legal jargon; you’ll be heard. We’ll take the time to understand what happened, review your injuries and the details of the pedestrian accident, and explain your options clearly. You’ll know what to expect, how Alabama law applies to your claim, and what steps to take next.

Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you owe nothing upfront for our legal services. From Mobile and Baldwin County to Daphne, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, and across southern Alabama, our firm is here to fight for you. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.

"I enjoyed working with Dean Waite and his team. They were very helpful and available whenever I needed them. I appreciate their hard work in my case." - E.R., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐