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 1981.
In 1981, 3,076 people died in 2,772 fatal crashes in Florida.
The death toll rose 9% from 2,825 in 1980 to 3,076 in 1981.
Florida accounted for 6.2% of the 49,301 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
21.5% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
36% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Every county with a fatal crash in 1981, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 67 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
12am5%
1am5.9%
2am6.2%
3am3.9%
4am2%
5am2.1%
6am2.7%
7am2.4%
8am1.6%
9am2.1%
10am2.8%
11am2.7%
12pm1.4%
1pm3.4%
2pm4.4%
3pm4.9%
4pm5%
5pm5.1%
6pm5.9%
7pm5.7%
8pm5.9%
9pm6.1%
10pm6.3%
11pm6.5%
Weekday
Sunday17%
Monday10%
Tuesday11%
Wednesday11%
Thursday14%
Friday16%
Saturday20%
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Florida in 1981?
3,076 people in 2,772 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1981 file.
Which county in Florida had the most crash deaths in 1981?
Miami-Dade County with 417 deaths in 384 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1981 compare with 1980 in Florida?
3,076 deaths against 2,825 in 1980 (+9%). Nationally the 1981 total was 49,301.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1981 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates (no county estimates before 2000 are used, so no rate is shown for this year). Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.