States › California › 1982
California in 1982
Deaths 4,615Fatal crashes 4,119Per 100,000 —US deaths 43,945
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 1982.
In 1982, 4,615 people died in 4,119 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll fell 11% from 5,170 in 1981 to 4,615 in 1982.
California accounted for 10.5% of the 43,945 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
50.2% 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 1981 and the nation
| Measure | California 1982 | California 1981 | United States 1982 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,615 | 5,170 | 43,945 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,119 | 4,670 | 39,092 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 50% | 52% | 41% |
Counties in 1982
Every county with a fatal crash in 1982, 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 1982?
4,615 people in 4,119 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1982 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1982?
Los Angeles County with 1,104 deaths in 1,019 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1982 compare with 1981 in California?
4,615 deaths against 5,170 in 1981 (+-11%). Nationally the 1982 total was 43,945.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1982 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.