States › Massachusetts › 1988
Massachusetts in 1988
Deaths 725Fatal crashes 673Per 100,000 —US deaths 47,087
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 1988.
In 1988, 725 people died in 673 fatal crashes in Massachusetts.
The death toll rose 5% from 689 in 1987 to 725 in 1988.
Massachusetts accounted for 1.5% of the 47,087 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
38.6% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
31% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1987 and the nation
| Measure | Massachusetts 1988 | Massachusetts 1987 | United States 1988 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 725 | 689 | 47,087 |
| Fatal crashes | 673 | 642 | 42,130 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 39% | 38% | 40% |
Counties in 1988
Every county with a fatal crash in 1988, 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 | 99 | 110 | 6.6 | 513 |
| Worcester County | 86 | 94 | 10.7 | 533 |
| Essex County | 70 | 79 | 9.6 | 332 |
| Norfolk County | 69 | 72 | 9.7 | 368 |
| Bristol County | 70 | 71 | 12.1 | 429 |
| Plymouth County | 65 | 71 | 13.1 | 370 |
| Suffolk County | 66 | 67 | 8.4 | 271 |
| Hampden County | 62 | 65 | 14.0 | 418 |
| Berkshire County | 33 | 38 | 29.5 | 122 |
| Barnstable County | 29 | 33 | 14.2 | 138 |
| Hampshire County | 11 | 12 | 7.3 | 84 |
| Franklin County | 11 | 11 | 15.5 | 71 |
| Dukes County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 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 1988?
725 people in 673 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1988 file.
Which county in Massachusetts had the most crash deaths in 1988?
Middlesex County with 110 deaths in 99 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1988 compare with 1987 in Massachusetts?
725 deaths against 689 in 1987 (+5%). Nationally the 1988 total was 47,087.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1988 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.