States › California › 1985
California in 1985
Deaths 4,960Fatal crashes 4,447Per 100,000 —US deaths 43,825
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 1985.
In 1985, 4,960 people died in 4,447 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll was about level between 1984 (5,020) and 1985 (4,960).
California accounted for 11.3% of the 43,825 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
43.8% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
34% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1984 and the nation
| Measure | California 1985 | California 1984 | United States 1985 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,960 | 5,020 | 43,825 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,447 | 4,517 | 39,196 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 44% | 47% | 40% |
Counties in 1985
Every county with a fatal crash in 1985, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 57 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 1985?
4,960 people in 4,447 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1985 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1985?
Los Angeles County with 1,134 deaths in 1,058 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1985 compare with 1984 in California?
4,960 deaths against 5,020 in 1984 (+-1%). Nationally the 1985 total was 43,825.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1985 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.