States › California › 1987
California in 1987
Deaths 5,504Fatal crashes 4,935Per 100,000 —US deaths 46,390
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 1987.
In 1987, 5,504 people died in 4,935 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll rose 5% from 5,253 in 1986 to 5,504 in 1987.
California accounted for 11.9% of the 46,390 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
44.8% 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 1986 and the nation
| Measure | California 1987 | California 1986 | United States 1987 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,504 | 5,253 | 46,390 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,935 | 4,683 | 41,438 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 45% | 44% | 42% |
Counties in 1987
Every county with a fatal crash in 1987, 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 1987?
5,504 people in 4,935 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1987 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1987?
Los Angeles County with 1,263 deaths in 1,171 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1987 compare with 1986 in California?
5,504 deaths against 5,253 in 1986 (+5%). Nationally the 1987 total was 46,390.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1987 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.