States › North Carolina › 2003
North Carolina in 2003
Deaths 1,553Fatal crashes 1,396Per 100,000 18.4US deaths 42,884
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 2003.
In 2003, 1,553 people died in 1,396 fatal crashes in North Carolina, 18.4 deaths per 100,000 residents against 14.8 nationally.
The death toll was about level between 2002 (1,576) and 2003 (1,553).
North Carolina accounted for 3.6% of the 42,884 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
36.3% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
31% of the crashes happened between noon to 6pm; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2002 and the nation
| Measure | North Carolina 2003 | North Carolina 2002 | United States 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 1,553 | 1,576 | 42,884 |
| Fatal crashes | 1,396 | 1,427 | 38,477 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 18.4 | 18.9 | 14.8 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 36% | 37% | 35% |
Counties in 2003
Every county with a fatal crash in 2003, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 96 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 2003?
1,553 people in 1,396 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2003 file, or 18.4 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in North Carolina had the most crash deaths in 2003?
Wake County with 75 deaths in 63 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2003 compare with 2002 in North Carolina?
1,553 deaths against 1,576 in 2002 (+-1%). Nationally the 2003 total was 42,884.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2003 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.