States › California › 1979
California in 1979
Deaths 5,542Fatal crashes 4,975Per 100,000 —US deaths 51,093
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 1979.
In 1979, 5,542 people died in 4,975 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll was about level between 1978 (5,310) and 1979 (5,542).
California accounted for 10.8% of the 51,093 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
47% 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 1978 and the nation
| Measure | California 1979 | California 1978 | United States 1979 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,542 | 5,310 | 51,093 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,975 | 4,724 | 45,223 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 47% | 44% | 39% |
Counties in 1979
Every county with a fatal crash in 1979, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 57 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 1979?
5,542 people in 4,975 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1979 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1979?
Los Angeles County with 1,340 deaths in 1,267 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1979 compare with 1978 in California?
5,542 deaths against 5,310 in 1978 (+4%). Nationally the 1979 total was 51,093.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1979 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.