States › California › 1983
California in 1983
Deaths 4,573Fatal crashes 4,089Per 100,000 —US deaths 42,589
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 1983.
In 1983, 4,573 people died in 4,089 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll was about level between 1982 (4,615) and 1983 (4,573).
California accounted for 10.7% of the 42,589 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
47.1% 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; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1982 and the nation
| Measure | California 1983 | California 1982 | United States 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,573 | 4,615 | 42,589 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,089 | 4,119 | 37,976 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 47% | 50% | 41% |
Counties in 1983
Every county with a fatal crash in 1983, 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 1983?
4,573 people in 4,089 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1983 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1983?
Los Angeles County with 1,097 deaths in 993 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1983 compare with 1982 in California?
4,573 deaths against 4,615 in 1982 (+-1%). Nationally the 1983 total was 42,589.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1983 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.