Maryland in 1978
Deaths 711Fatal crashes 644Per 100,000 —US deaths 50,331
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 1978.
In 1978, 711 people died in 644 fatal crashes in Maryland.
The death toll rose 8% from 661 in 1977 to 711 in 1978.
Maryland accounted for 1.4% of the 50,331 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
36.2% 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.
Compared with 1977 and the nation
| Measure | Maryland 1978 | Maryland 1977 | United States 1978 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 711 | 661 | 50,331 |
| Fatal crashes | 644 | 601 | 44,433 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 36% | 26% | 36% |
Counties in 1978
Every county with a fatal crash in 1978, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 24 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince George's County | 93 | 100 | 10.3 | 1,090 |
| Baltimore County | 85 | 93 | 10.9 | 714 |
| Montgomery County | 63 | 70 | 6.5 | 425 |
| Baltimore city | 68 | 69 | 12.1 | 491 |
| Anne Arundel County | 61 | 67 | 11.1 | 454 |
| Harford County | 40 | 45 | 16.9 | 190 |
| Frederick County | 32 | 35 | 11.7 | 236 |
| Howard County | 26 | 30 | 8.8 | 236 |
| Cecil County | 19 | 26 | 24.5 | 218 |
| Charles County | 19 | 22 | 12.6 | 246 |
| Washington County | 19 | 20 | 12.7 | 166 |
| St. Mary's County | 15 | 18 | 15.5 | 141 |
| Carroll County | 13 | 16 | 9.0 | 147 |
| Wicomico County | 13 | 15 | 14.1 | 129 |
| Allegany County | 14 | 14 | 20.9 | 79 |
| Worcester County | 13 | 14 | 25.8 | 110 |
| Dorchester County | 11 | 12 | 36.2 | 49 |
| Garrett County | 9 | 12 | 42.3 | 64 |
| Queen Anne's County | 8 | 8 | 14.9 | 73 |
| Calvert County | 7 | 7 | 7.4 | 97 |
| Talbot County | 5 | 7 | 18.3 | 51 |
| Caroline County | 6 | 6 | 17.5 | 75 |
| Kent County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 30 |
| Somerset County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 37 |
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 Maryland in 1978?
711 people in 644 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1978 file.
Which county in Maryland had the most crash deaths in 1978?
Prince George's County with 100 deaths in 93 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1978 compare with 1977 in Maryland?
711 deaths against 661 in 1977 (+8%). Nationally the 1978 total was 50,331.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1978 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.