States › California › 2017
California in 2017
Deaths 3,884Fatal crashes 3,569Per 100,000 9.9US deaths 37,473
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 2017.
In 2017, 3,884 people died in 3,569 fatal crashes in California, 9.9 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.5 nationally.
The death toll was about level between 2016 (3,837) and 2017 (3,884).
California accounted for 10.4% of the 37,473 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
28.9% 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 (30%).
35% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2016 and the nation
| Measure | California 2017 | California 2016 | United States 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,884 | 3,837 | 37,473 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,569 | 3,540 | 34,560 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 9.9 | 9.8 | 11.5 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 29% | 29% | 27% |
Counties in 2017
Every county with a fatal crash in 2017, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 57 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 2017?
3,884 people in 3,569 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2017 file, or 9.9 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 2017?
Los Angeles County with 751 deaths in 709 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2017 compare with 2016 in California?
3,884 deaths against 3,837 in 2016 (+1%). Nationally the 2017 total was 37,473.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2017 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.