States › California › 1978
California in 1978
Deaths 5,310Fatal crashes 4,724Per 100,000 —US deaths 50,331
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 1978.
In 1978, 5,310 people died in 4,724 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll rose 10% from 4,839 in 1977 to 5,310 in 1978.
California accounted for 10.6% of the 50,331 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
43.5% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
36% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 1977 and the nation
| Measure | California 1978 | California 1977 | United States 1978 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,310 | 4,839 | 50,331 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,724 | 4,351 | 44,433 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 44% | 48% | 36% |
Counties in 1978
Every county with a fatal crash in 1978, 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 1978?
5,310 people in 4,724 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1978 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1978?
Los Angeles County with 1,260 deaths in 1,161 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1978 compare with 1977 in California?
5,310 deaths against 4,839 in 1977 (+10%). Nationally the 1978 total was 50,331.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1978 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.