States › Rhode Island › 1989
Rhode Island in 1989
Deaths 100Fatal crashes 97Per 100,000 —US deaths 45,582
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 1989.
In 1989, 100 people died in 97 fatal crashes in Rhode Island.
The death toll fell 20% from 125 in 1988 to 100 in 1989.
Rhode Island accounted for 0.2% of the 45,582 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
40.2% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
33% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 1988 and the nation
| Measure | Rhode Island 1989 | Rhode Island 1988 | United States 1989 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 100 | 125 | 45,582 |
| Fatal crashes | 97 | 118 | 40,741 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 40% | 46% | 39% |
Counties in 1989
Every county with a fatal crash in 1989, 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 | 60 | 63 | 9.3 | 357 |
| Kent County | 14 | 14 | 8.1 | 98 |
| Washington County | 12 | 12 | 9.2 | 105 |
| Newport County | 8 | 8 | 9.6 | 30 |
| 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 1989?
100 people in 97 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1989 file.
Which county in Rhode Island had the most crash deaths in 1989?
Providence County with 63 deaths in 60 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1989 compare with 1988 in Rhode Island?
100 deaths against 125 in 1988 (+-20%). Nationally the 1989 total was 45,582.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1989 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.