States › California › 1988
California in 1988
Deaths 5,392Fatal crashes 4,875Per 100,000 —US deaths 47,087
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 1988.
In 1988, 5,392 people died in 4,875 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll was about level between 1987 (5,504) and 1988 (5,392).
California accounted for 11.5% of the 47,087 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
41.5% 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 1987 and the nation
| Measure | California 1988 | California 1987 | United States 1988 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,392 | 5,504 | 47,087 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,875 | 4,935 | 42,130 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 42% | 45% | 40% |
Counties in 1988
Every county with a fatal crash in 1988, 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 1988?
5,392 people in 4,875 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1988 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1988?
Los Angeles County with 1,226 deaths in 1,134 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1988 compare with 1987 in California?
5,392 deaths against 5,504 in 1987 (+-2%). Nationally the 1988 total was 47,087.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1988 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.