States › California › 1986
California in 1986
Deaths 5,253Fatal crashes 4,683Per 100,000 —US deaths 46,087
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 1986.
In 1986, 5,253 people died in 4,683 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll rose 6% from 4,960 in 1985 to 5,253 in 1986.
California accounted for 11.4% of the 46,087 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
43.7% 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 1985 and the nation
| Measure | California 1986 | California 1985 | United States 1986 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,253 | 4,960 | 46,087 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,683 | 4,447 | 41,090 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 44% | 44% | 43% |
Counties in 1986
Every county with a fatal crash in 1986, 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 1986?
5,253 people in 4,683 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1986 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1986?
Los Angeles County with 1,203 deaths in 1,117 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1986 compare with 1985 in California?
5,253 deaths against 4,960 in 1985 (+6%). Nationally the 1986 total was 46,087.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1986 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.