Delaware in 2003
Deaths 142Fatal crashes 133Per 100,000 17.4US deaths 42,884
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 2003.
In 2003, 142 people died in 133 fatal crashes in Delaware, 17.4 deaths per 100,000 residents against 14.8 nationally.
The death toll rose 15% from 124 in 2002 to 142 in 2003.
Delaware accounted for 0.3% of the 42,884 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
43.6% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
30% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Friday was the most common day.
Compared with 2002 and the nation
| Measure | Delaware 2003 | Delaware 2002 | United States 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 142 | 124 | 42,884 |
| Fatal crashes | 133 | 114 | 38,477 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 17.4 | 15.4 | 14.8 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 44% | 37% | 35% |
Counties in 2003
Every county with a fatal crash in 2003, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 3 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle County | 73 | 80 | 13.6 | 623 |
| Sussex County | 47 | 49 | 18.1 | 389 |
| Kent County | 13 | 13 | 6.7 | 275 |
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
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Delaware in 2003?
142 people in 133 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2003 file, or 17.4 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Delaware had the most crash deaths in 2003?
New Castle County with 80 deaths in 73 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2003 compare with 2002 in Delaware?
142 deaths against 124 in 2002 (+15%). Nationally the 2003 total was 42,884.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2003 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.