States › California › 1984
California in 1984
Deaths 5,020Fatal crashes 4,517Per 100,000 —US deaths 44,257
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 1984.
In 1984, 5,020 people died in 4,517 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll rose 10% from 4,573 in 1983 to 5,020 in 1984.
California accounted for 11.3% of the 44,257 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
47.4% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
35% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1983 and the nation
| Measure | California 1984 | California 1983 | United States 1984 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,020 | 4,573 | 44,257 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,517 | 4,089 | 39,631 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 47% | 47% | 41% |
Counties in 1984
Every county with a fatal crash in 1984, 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 1984?
5,020 people in 4,517 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1984 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1984?
Los Angeles County with 1,180 deaths in 1,091 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1984 compare with 1983 in California?
5,020 deaths against 4,573 in 1983 (+10%). Nationally the 1984 total was 44,257.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1984 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.