States › Massachusetts › 2016
Massachusetts in 2016
Deaths 387Fatal crashes 356Per 100,000 5.7US deaths 37,806
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 2016.
In 2016, 387 people died in 356 fatal crashes in Massachusetts, 5.7 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.7 nationally.
The death toll rose 13% from 344 in 2015 to 387 in 2016.
Massachusetts accounted for 1% of the 37,806 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
29.5% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
By FHWA road function class, the largest share was on other principal arterial roads (30%).
33% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2015 and the nation
| Measure | Massachusetts 2016 | Massachusetts 2015 | United States 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 387 | 344 | 37,806 |
| Fatal crashes | 356 | 327 | 34,748 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 5.7 | 5.1 | 11.7 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 29% | 24% | 27% |
Counties in 2016
Every county with a fatal crash in 2016, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 12 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County | 62 | 64 | 3.8 | 513 |
| Bristol County | 45 | 51 | 8.7 | 429 |
| Worcester County | 46 | 49 | 5.6 | 533 |
| Hampden County | 35 | 40 | 8.6 | 418 |
| Plymouth County | 34 | 39 | 7.2 | 370 |
| Suffolk County | 32 | 34 | 4.3 | 271 |
| Essex County | 30 | 33 | 4.0 | 332 |
| Norfolk County | 29 | 31 | 4.2 | 368 |
| Barnstable County | 16 | 18 | 7.7 | 138 |
| Berkshire County | 12 | 12 | 9.3 | 122 |
| Hampshire County | 11 | 11 | 6.7 | 84 |
| Franklin County | 4 | 5 | 7.1 | 71 |
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
Road type
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Massachusetts in 2016?
387 people in 356 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2016 file, or 5.7 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Massachusetts had the most crash deaths in 2016?
Middlesex County with 64 deaths in 62 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2016 compare with 2015 in Massachusetts?
387 deaths against 344 in 2015 (+13%). Nationally the 2016 total was 37,806.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2016 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.