States › Rhode Island › 1986
Rhode Island in 1986
Deaths 124Fatal crashes 115Per 100,000 —US deaths 46,087
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 1986.
In 1986, 124 people died in 115 fatal crashes in Rhode Island.
The death toll rose 14% from 109 in 1985 to 124 in 1986.
Rhode Island accounted for 0.3% of the 46,087 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
47% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
44% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 1985 and the nation
| Measure | Rhode Island 1986 | Rhode Island 1985 | United States 1986 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 124 | 109 | 46,087 |
| Fatal crashes | 115 | 99 | 41,090 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 47% | 40% | 43% |
Counties in 1986
Every county with a fatal crash in 1986, 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 | 65 | 9.6 | 357 |
| Washington County | 21 | 23 | 17.6 | 105 |
| Newport County | 17 | 18 | 21.6 | 30 |
| Kent County | 13 | 15 | 8.7 | 98 |
| Bristol County | 3 | 3 | 6.0 | 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 1986?
124 people in 115 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1986 file.
Which county in Rhode Island had the most crash deaths in 1986?
Providence County with 65 deaths in 61 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1986 compare with 1985 in Rhode Island?
124 deaths against 109 in 1985 (+14%). Nationally the 1986 total was 46,087.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1986 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.