States › Massachusetts › 1981
Massachusetts in 1981
Deaths 746Fatal crashes 682Per 100,000 —US deaths 49,301
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, 746 people died in 682 fatal crashes in Massachusetts.
The death toll fell 15% from 881 in 1980 to 746 in 1981.
Massachusetts accounted for 1.5% of the 49,301 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
41.6% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
35% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1980 and the nation
| Measure | Massachusetts 1981 | Massachusetts 1980 | United States 1981 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 746 | 881 | 49,301 |
| Fatal crashes | 682 | 813 | 44,000 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 42% | 43% | 41% |
Counties in 1981
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. 13 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County | 146 | 152 | 9.1 | 513 |
| Worcester County | 91 | 104 | 11.8 | 533 |
| Essex County | 65 | 72 | 8.7 | 332 |
| Norfolk County | 65 | 71 | 9.6 | 368 |
| Bristol County | 56 | 67 | 11.4 | 429 |
| Plymouth County | 58 | 66 | 12.2 | 370 |
| Hampden County | 56 | 61 | 13.1 | 418 |
| Suffolk County | 46 | 50 | 6.3 | 271 |
| Barnstable County | 34 | 36 | 15.5 | 138 |
| Hampshire County | 32 | 34 | 20.6 | 84 |
| Berkshire County | 20 | 20 | 15.5 | 122 |
| Franklin County | 9 | 9 | 12.7 | 71 |
| Dukes County | 3 | 3 | 14.2 | 10 |
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 Massachusetts in 1981?
746 people in 682 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1981 file.
Which county in Massachusetts had the most crash deaths in 1981?
Middlesex County with 152 deaths in 146 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1981 compare with 1980 in Massachusetts?
746 deaths against 881 in 1980 (+-15%). 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.