States › California › 2023
California in 2023
Deaths 4,169Fatal crashes 3,826Per 100,000 10.6US deaths 41,025
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 2023.
In 2023, 4,169 people died in 3,826 fatal crashes in California, 10.6 deaths per 100,000 residents against 12.2 nationally.
The death toll fell 8% from 4,539 in 2022 to 4,169 in 2023.
California accounted for 10.2% of the 41,025 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
29% 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 (32%).
38% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 2022 and the nation
| Measure | California 2023 | California 2022 | United States 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 4,169 | 4,539 | 41,025 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,826 | 4,218 | 37,769 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 10.6 | 11.6 | 12.2 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 29% | 27% | 26% |
Counties in 2023
Every county with a fatal crash in 2023, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 56 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 2023?
4,169 people in 3,826 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2023 file, or 10.6 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 2023?
Los Angeles County with 840 deaths in 777 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2023 compare with 2022 in California?
4,169 deaths against 4,539 in 2022 (+-8%). Nationally the 2023 total was 41,025.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2023 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.