States › California › 1976
California in 1976
Deaths 4,395Fatal crashes 3,895Per 100,000 —US deaths 45,523
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 1976.
In 1976, 4,395 people died in 3,895 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll rose 7% from 4,092 in 1975 to 4,395 in 1976.
California accounted for 9.7% of the 45,523 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
38.3% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
37% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1975 and the nation
| Measure | California 1976 | California 1975 | United States 1976 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,395 | 4,092 | 45,523 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,895 | 3,667 | 39,747 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 38% | 40% | 20% |
Counties in 1976
Every county with a fatal crash in 1976, 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 1976?
4,395 people in 3,895 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1976 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1976?
Los Angeles County with 983 deaths in 899 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1976 compare with 1975 in California?
4,395 deaths against 4,092 in 1975 (+7%). Nationally the 1976 total was 45,523.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1976 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.