States › California › 1996
California in 1996
Deaths 3,989Fatal crashes 3,576Per 100,000 —US deaths 42,065
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 1996.
In 1996, 3,989 people died in 3,576 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll fell 5% from 4,192 in 1995 to 3,989 in 1996.
California accounted for 9.5% of the 42,065 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
31.5% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
33% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1995 and the nation
| Measure | California 1996 | California 1995 | United States 1996 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,989 | 4,192 | 42,065 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,576 | 3,669 | 37,494 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 32% | 33% | 32% |
Counties in 1996
Every county with a fatal crash in 1996, 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 1996?
3,989 people in 3,576 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1996 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1996?
Los Angeles County with 860 deaths in 788 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1996 compare with 1995 in California?
3,989 deaths against 4,192 in 1995 (+-5%). Nationally the 1996 total was 42,065.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1996 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.