States › California › 2018
California in 2018
Deaths 3,798Fatal crashes 3,485Per 100,000 9.6US deaths 36,835
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 2018.
In 2018, 3,798 people died in 3,485 fatal crashes in California, 9.6 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.3 nationally.
The death toll was about level between 2017 (3,884) and 2018 (3,798).
California accounted for 10.3% of the 36,835 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
27.2% 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%).
36% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2017 and the nation
| Measure | California 2018 | California 2017 | United States 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,798 | 3,884 | 36,835 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,485 | 3,569 | 33,919 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 9.6 | 9.9 | 11.3 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 27% | 29% | 26% |
Counties in 2018
Every county with a fatal crash in 2018, 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 2018?
3,798 people in 3,485 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2018 file, or 9.6 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 2018?
Los Angeles County with 733 deaths in 689 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2018 compare with 2017 in California?
3,798 deaths against 3,884 in 2017 (+-2%). Nationally the 2018 total was 36,835.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2018 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.