States › California › 1975
California in 1975
Deaths 4,092Fatal crashes 3,667Per 100,000 —US deaths 44,525
FARS data are based on police crash reports and other sources; the drunk-driving measure is based on the highest BAC of any driver in the crash. Final FARS file for 1975.
In 1975, 4,092 people died in 3,667 fatal crashes in California.
California accounted for 9.2% of the 44,525 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
39.5% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
35% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1974 and the nation
| Measure | California 1975 | — | United States 1975 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,092 | — | 44,525 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,667 | — | 39,161 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 40% | — | 19% |
Counties in 1975
Every county with a fatal crash in 1975, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 58 counties listed.
Per 100,000 uses the 2024 population estimate for every year, so early-year rates are understated where a county has grown.
Hour of day
Weekday
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in California in 1975?
4,092 people in 3,667 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1975 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1975?
Los Angeles County with 895 deaths in 853 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1975 compare with 1974 in California?
1975 is the first year in FARS; no earlier comparison exists.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1975 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates (no county estimates before 2000 are used, so no rate is shown for this year). Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.