States › California › 1991
California in 1991
Deaths 4,688Fatal crashes 4,194Per 100,000 —US deaths 41,508
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 1991.
In 1991, 4,688 people died in 4,194 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll fell 10% from 5,192 in 1990 to 4,688 in 1991.
California accounted for 11.3% of the 41,508 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
39.1% 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 1990 and the nation
| Measure | California 1991 | California 1990 | United States 1991 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,688 | 5,192 | 41,508 |
| Fatal crashes | 4,194 | 4,685 | 36,937 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 39% | 42% | 39% |
Counties in 1991
Every county with a fatal crash in 1991, 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 1991?
4,688 people in 4,194 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1991 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1991?
Los Angeles County with 1,080 deaths in 1,006 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1991 compare with 1990 in California?
4,688 deaths against 5,192 in 1990 (+-10%). Nationally the 1991 total was 41,508.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1991 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.