States › Massachusetts › 2017
Massachusetts in 2017
Deaths 347Fatal crashes 333Per 100,000 5.1US deaths 37,473
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 2017.
In 2017, 347 people died in 333 fatal crashes in Massachusetts, 5.1 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.5 nationally.
The death toll fell 10% from 387 in 2016 to 347 in 2017.
Massachusetts accounted for 0.9% of the 37,473 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
31.5% 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 (31%).
33% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 2016 and the nation
| Measure | Massachusetts 2017 | Massachusetts 2016 | United States 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 347 | 387 | 37,473 |
| Fatal crashes | 333 | 356 | 34,560 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 5.1 | 5.7 | 11.5 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 32% | 29% | 27% |
Counties in 2017
Every county with a fatal crash in 2017, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester County | 52 | 55 | 6.2 | 533 |
| Bristol County | 44 | 45 | 7.6 | 429 |
| Plymouth County | 43 | 45 | 8.3 | 370 |
| Essex County | 36 | 36 | 4.4 | 332 |
| Hampden County | 32 | 35 | 7.5 | 418 |
| Middlesex County | 33 | 34 | 2.0 | 513 |
| Norfolk County | 31 | 32 | 4.3 | 368 |
| Suffolk County | 24 | 25 | 3.2 | 271 |
| Barnstable County | 13 | 14 | 6.0 | 138 |
| Berkshire County | 10 | 11 | 8.5 | 122 |
| Franklin County | 8 | 8 | 11.3 | 71 |
| Hampshire County | 6 | 6 | 3.6 | 84 |
| 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
Road type
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Massachusetts in 2017?
347 people in 333 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2017 file, or 5.1 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Massachusetts had the most crash deaths in 2017?
Worcester County with 55 deaths in 52 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2017 compare with 2016 in Massachusetts?
347 deaths against 387 in 2016 (+-10%). Nationally the 2017 total was 37,473.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2017 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.