States › California › 1989
California in 1989
Deaths 5,412Fatal crashes 4,877Per 100,000 —US deaths 45,582
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 1989.
In 1989, 5,412 people died in 4,877 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll was about level between 1988 (5,392) and 1989 (5,412).
California accounted for 11.9% of the 45,582 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
42.4% 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 1988 and the nation
| Measure | California 1989 | California 1988 | United States 1989 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,412 | 5,392 | 45,582 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,877 | 4,875 | 40,741 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 42% | 42% | 39% |
Counties in 1989
Every county with a fatal crash in 1989, 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 1989?
5,412 people in 4,877 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1989 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1989?
Los Angeles County with 1,163 deaths in 1,098 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1989 compare with 1988 in California?
5,412 deaths against 5,392 in 1988 (0%). Nationally the 1989 total was 45,582.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1989 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.