States › California › 2016
California in 2016
Deaths 3,837Fatal crashes 3,540Per 100,000 9.8US deaths 37,806
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 2016.
In 2016, 3,837 people died in 3,540 fatal crashes in California, 9.8 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.7 nationally.
The death toll rose 13% from 3,387 in 2015 to 3,837 in 2016.
California accounted for 10.1% of the 37,806 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
28.8% 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 (29%).
33% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2015 and the nation
| Measure | California 2016 | California 2015 | United States 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,837 | 3,387 | 37,806 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,540 | 3,123 | 34,748 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 9.8 | 8.7 | 11.7 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 29% | 31% | 27% |
Counties in 2016
Every county with a fatal crash in 2016, 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 2016?
3,837 people in 3,540 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2016 file, or 9.8 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 2016?
Los Angeles County with 837 deaths in 776 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2016 compare with 2015 in California?
3,837 deaths against 3,387 in 2015 (+13%). Nationally the 2016 total was 37,806.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2016 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.