States › California › 2015
California in 2015
Deaths 3,387Fatal crashes 3,123Per 100,000 8.7US deaths 35,484
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 2015.
In 2015, 3,387 people died in 3,123 fatal crashes in California, 8.7 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.1 nationally.
The death toll rose 9% from 3,102 in 2014 to 3,387 in 2015.
California accounted for 9.5% of the 35,484 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
30.7% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
By FHWA road function class, the largest share was on other principal arterial roads (27%).
34% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2014 and the nation
| Measure | California 2015 | California 2014 | United States 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,387 | 3,102 | 35,484 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,123 | 2,859 | 32,538 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 8.7 | 8.0 | 11.1 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 31% | 29% | 28% |
Counties in 2015
Every county with a fatal crash in 2015, 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
Road type
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in California in 2015?
3,387 people in 3,123 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2015 file, or 8.7 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 2015?
Los Angeles County with 651 deaths in 609 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2015 compare with 2014 in California?
3,387 deaths against 3,102 in 2014 (+9%). Nationally the 2015 total was 35,484.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2015 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.