States › California › 1977
California in 1977
Deaths 4,839Fatal crashes 4,351Per 100,000 —US deaths 47,878
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 1977.
In 1977, 4,839 people died in 4,351 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll rose 10% from 4,395 in 1976 to 4,839 in 1977.
California accounted for 10.1% of the 47,878 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
48% 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 1976 and the nation
| Measure | California 1977 | California 1976 | United States 1977 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,839 | 4,395 | 47,878 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,351 | 3,895 | 42,211 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 48% | 38% | 34% |
Counties in 1977
Every county with a fatal crash in 1977, 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 1977?
4,839 people in 4,351 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1977 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1977?
Los Angeles County with 1,140 deaths in 1,054 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1977 compare with 1976 in California?
4,839 deaths against 4,395 in 1976 (+10%). Nationally the 1977 total was 47,878.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1977 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.