States › California › 1990
California in 1990
Deaths 5,192Fatal crashes 4,685Per 100,000 —US deaths 44,599
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 1990.
In 1990, 5,192 people died in 4,685 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll was about level between 1989 (5,412) and 1990 (5,192).
California accounted for 11.6% of the 44,599 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
42.2% 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 1989 and the nation
| Measure | California 1990 | California 1989 | United States 1990 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 5,192 | 5,412 | 44,599 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,685 | 4,877 | 39,836 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 42% | 42% | 40% |
Counties in 1990
Every county with a fatal crash in 1990, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 56 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 1990?
5,192 people in 4,685 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1990 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1990?
Los Angeles County with 1,258 deaths in 1,158 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1990 compare with 1989 in California?
5,192 deaths against 5,412 in 1989 (+-4%). Nationally the 1990 total was 44,599.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1990 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.