States › Rhode Island › 1976
Rhode Island in 1976
Deaths 119Fatal crashes 112Per 100,000 —US deaths 45,523
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 1976.
In 1976, 119 people died in 112 fatal crashes in Rhode Island.
The death toll rose 8% from 110 in 1975 to 119 in 1976.
Rhode Island accounted for 0.3% of the 45,523 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
31.3% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
38% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Friday was the most common day.
Compared with 1975 and the nation
| Measure | Rhode Island 1976 | Rhode Island 1975 | United States 1976 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 119 | 110 | 45,523 |
| Fatal crashes | 112 | 100 | 39,747 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 31% | 31% | 20% |
Counties in 1976
Every county with a fatal crash in 1976, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 5 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence County | 61 | 61 | 9.0 | 357 |
| Washington County | 18 | 23 | 17.6 | 105 |
| Kent County | 21 | 22 | 12.8 | 98 |
| Newport County | 8 | 9 | 10.8 | 30 |
| Bristol County | 4 | 4 | 8.0 | 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 Rhode Island in 1976?
119 people in 112 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1976 file.
Which county in Rhode Island had the most crash deaths in 1976?
Providence County with 61 deaths in 61 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1976 compare with 1975 in Rhode Island?
119 deaths against 110 in 1975 (+8%). Nationally the 1976 total was 45,523.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1976 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.