States › California › 1981
California in 1981
Deaths 5,170Fatal crashes 4,670Per 100,000 —US deaths 49,301
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 1981.
In 1981, 5,170 people died in 4,670 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll fell 6% from 5,496 in 1980 to 5,170 in 1981.
California accounted for 10.5% of the 49,301 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
52.1% 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 1980 and the nation
| Measure | California 1981 | California 1980 | United States 1981 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,170 | 5,496 | 49,301 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,670 | 4,930 | 44,000 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 52% | 51% | 41% |
Counties in 1981
Every county with a fatal crash in 1981, 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 1981?
5,170 people in 4,670 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1981 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1981?
Los Angeles County with 1,262 deaths in 1,178 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1981 compare with 1980 in California?
5,170 deaths against 5,496 in 1980 (+-6%). Nationally the 1981 total was 49,301.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1981 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.