States › Rhode Island › 1987
Rhode Island in 1987
Deaths 113Fatal crashes 108Per 100,000 —US deaths 46,390
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 1987.
In 1987, 113 people died in 108 fatal crashes in Rhode Island.
The death toll fell 9% from 124 in 1986 to 113 in 1987.
Rhode Island accounted for 0.2% of the 46,390 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
22.2% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
34% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Friday was the most common day.
Compared with 1986 and the nation
| Measure | Rhode Island 1987 | Rhode Island 1986 | United States 1987 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 113 | 124 | 46,390 |
| Fatal crashes | 108 | 115 | 41,438 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 22% | 47% | 42% |
Counties in 1987
Every county with a fatal crash in 1987, 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 | 53 | 55 | 8.1 | 357 |
| Kent County | 21 | 22 | 12.8 | 98 |
| Washington County | 17 | 18 | 13.8 | 105 |
| Newport County | 14 | 15 | 18.0 | 30 |
| Bristol 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
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Rhode Island in 1987?
113 people in 108 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1987 file.
Which county in Rhode Island had the most crash deaths in 1987?
Providence County with 55 deaths in 53 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1987 compare with 1986 in Rhode Island?
113 deaths against 124 in 1986 (+-9%). Nationally the 1987 total was 46,390.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1987 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.