States › California › 2010
California in 2010
Deaths 2,720Fatal crashes 2,504Per 100,000 7.3US deaths 32,999
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 2010.
In 2010, 2,720 people died in 2,504 fatal crashes in California, 7.3 deaths per 100,000 residents against 10.7 nationally.
The death toll fell 12% from 3,090 in 2009 to 2,720 in 2010.
California accounted for 8.2% of the 32,999 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
30% 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 2009 and the nation
| Measure | California 2010 | California 2009 | United States 2010 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 2,720 | 3,090 | 32,999 |
| Fatal crashes | 2,504 | 2,825 | 30,296 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 7.3 | 8.4 | 10.7 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 30% | 34% | 32% |
Counties in 2010
Every county with a fatal crash in 2010, 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 2010?
2,720 people in 2,504 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2010 file, or 7.3 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 2010?
Los Angeles County with 564 deaths in 526 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2010 compare with 2009 in California?
2,720 deaths against 3,090 in 2009 (+-12%). Nationally the 2010 total was 32,999.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2010 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.