States › North Carolina › 2002
North Carolina in 2002
Deaths 1,576Fatal crashes 1,427Per 100,000 18.9US deaths 43,005
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 2002.
In 2002, 1,576 people died in 1,427 fatal crashes in North Carolina, 18.9 deaths per 100,000 residents against 15.0 nationally.
The death toll was about level between 2001 (1,530) and 2002 (1,576).
North Carolina accounted for 3.7% of the 43,005 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
36.9% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
32% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2001 and the nation
| Measure | North Carolina 2002 | North Carolina 2001 | United States 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 1,576 | 1,530 | 43,005 |
| Fatal crashes | 1,427 | 1,360 | 38,491 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 18.9 | 18.6 | 15.0 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 37% | 35% | 36% |
Counties in 2002
Every county with a fatal crash in 2002, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 99 counties listed.
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 North Carolina in 2002?
1,576 people in 1,427 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2002 file, or 18.9 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in North Carolina had the most crash deaths in 2002?
Wake County with 78 deaths in 70 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2002 compare with 2001 in North Carolina?
1,576 deaths against 1,530 in 2001 (+3%). Nationally the 2002 total was 43,005.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2002 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.