States › California › 2024
California in 2024
Deaths 3,876Fatal crashes 3,583Per 100,000 9.8US deaths 39,254
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. 2024 is the latest data year; NHTSA may revise it in a later release.
In 2024, 3,876 people died in 3,583 fatal crashes in California, 9.8 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.5 nationally.
The death toll fell 7% from 4,169 in 2023 to 3,876 in 2024.
California accounted for 9.9% of the 39,254 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
26.6% 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%).
36% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 2023 and the nation
| Measure | California 2024 | California 2023 | United States 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 3,876 | 4,169 | 39,254 |
| Fatal crashes | 3,583 | 3,826 | 36,297 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 9.8 | 10.6 | 11.5 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 27% | 29% | 25% |
Counties in 2024
Every county with a fatal crash in 2024, 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 2024?
3,876 people in 3,583 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2024 file, or 9.8 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in California had the most crash deaths in 2024?
Los Angeles County with 778 deaths in 726 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2024 compare with 2023 in California?
3,876 deaths against 4,169 in 2023 (+-7%). Nationally the 2024 total was 39,254.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2024 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.