States › California › 1980
California in 1980
Deaths 5,496Fatal crashes 4,930Per 100,000 —US deaths 51,091
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 1980.
In 1980, 5,496 people died in 4,930 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll was about level between 1979 (5,542) and 1980 (5,496).
California accounted for 10.8% of the 51,091 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
50.6% 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 1979 and the nation
| Measure | California 1980 | California 1979 | United States 1980 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,496 | 5,542 | 51,091 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,930 | 4,975 | 45,284 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 51% | 47% | 40% |
Counties in 1980
Every county with a fatal crash in 1980, 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 1980?
5,496 people in 4,930 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1980 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1980?
Los Angeles County with 1,306 deaths in 1,207 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1980 compare with 1979 in California?
5,496 deaths against 5,542 in 1979 (+-1%). Nationally the 1980 total was 51,091.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1980 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.