States › West Virginia › 1986
West Virginia in 1986
Deaths 440Fatal crashes 386Per 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, 440 people died in 386 fatal crashes in West Virginia.
The death toll rose 5% from 420 in 1985 to 440 in 1986.
West Virginia accounted for 1% of the 46,087 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
49.5% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
30% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1985 and the nation
| Measure | West Virginia 1986 | West Virginia 1985 | United States 1986 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 440 | 420 | 46,087 |
| Fatal crashes | 386 | 368 | 41,090 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 49% | 45% | 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. 54 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 West Virginia in 1986?
440 people in 386 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1986 file.
Which county in West Virginia had the most crash deaths in 1986?
Kanawha County with 40 deaths in 33 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1986 compare with 1985 in West Virginia?
440 deaths against 420 in 1985 (+5%). 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.