States › California › 1997
California in 1997
Deaths 3,688Fatal crashes 3,279Per 100,000 —US deaths 42,013
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 1997.
In 1997, 3,688 people died in 3,279 fatal crashes in California.
The death toll fell 8% from 3,989 in 1996 to 3,688 in 1997.
California accounted for 8.8% of the 42,013 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
28.2% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
32% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 1996 and the nation
| Measure | California 1997 | California 1996 | United States 1997 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,688 | 3,989 | 42,013 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,279 | 3,576 | 37,324 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 28% | 32% | 30% |
Counties in 1997
Every county with a fatal crash in 1997, 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 1997?
3,688 people in 3,279 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1997 file.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 1997?
Los Angeles County with 761 deaths in 700 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1997 compare with 1996 in California?
3,688 deaths against 3,989 in 1996 (+-8%). Nationally the 1997 total was 42,013.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1997 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.