2009 California Car Crash Fatality Statistics

In 2009, 3,081 died in fatal car accidents in California; 1,293 of those who died were drivers, 689 were passengers, 394 were motorcyclists, 563 were pedestrians, and 99 were cyclists. This made California the leading state for car crash deaths.

In 2009, the car crash rate across the U.S. was 1.13 per 100 million vehicle miles travelled. California's 2008 car crash rate (latest available) was 1.05. However, California has a large population and California drivers spend a significant part of their day in their vehicles.

Which counties had the most car wreck fatalities?

1. Los Angeles: 588
2. San Bernadino: 240
3. San Diego: 232
4. Riverside: 224
5. Kern: 157
6. Orange: 154
7. Fresno: 121
8. Sacramento: 109
9. Santa Clara: 87
10. Tulare: 74

Vehicle Information

A total of 2,379 vehicles were involved in fatal crashes. These included:

• Passenger cars: 1,199, 50.4% of fatal crashes
  Pickup trucks: 323, 13.6%
• Utility trucks: 284, 11.9%
• Vans: 109, 4.6%
• Other light trucks: 2, .001%
• Large Trucks: 36, 1.5%
• Buses: 7, 0.3%
• Other/Unknown: 25, 1.1%
• Motorcycle: 394, 16.6%

Rollovers accounted for 37.2% of all fatal California accidents in 2009; 714 vehicles were involved in rollovers.

• Passenger cars: 94, 25.8% rollover crash rate
• Pickup trucks: 150, 46.4%
• Utility trucks: 163, 57.4%
• Vans: 43, 39.4%
• Other light trucks: 2, 100%
• Large Trucks: 36, 1.5%
• Buses: 7, 0.3%
• Other/Unknown: 25, 1.1%
• Motorcycles: 394, 16.6

Seatbelt Use

Seatbelts are the best protection from death and serious injury in a California car crash. Seatbelt data was collected for 1917 victims. Seatbelts were used by 1,149 (59.9%), they were not used by 639 (33.3%). Seatbelt status was unknown for 129 victims (6.7%).

Pedestrian Accidents

The 2009 pedestrian accident rate in California was 1.52 per 100,000 population, making California 15th in nation for pedestrian deaths.

California Alcohol-Related Crash Information

Number of persons killed by driver BAC

BAC=0: 1,956, 63%

BAC .01+: 1,118. 36%

BAC .01-.07: 168, 5%

BAC .08+: 950, 31%

Drivers in fatal crashes by driver BAC

BAC=0: 3,145, 75%

BAC .01+: 1,035, 25%

BAC .01-.07: 168, 4%

BAC .08+: 868, 21%

Drivers killed in fatal crashes by BAC

BAC=0: 1,050, 63%

BAC .01+: 628, 37%

BAC .01-.07: 66, 4%

BAC .08+: 562, 33%

Surviving drivers in fatal crashes by BAC

BAC=0: 2,095, 84%

BAC .01+: 407, 16%

BAC .01-.07: 101, 4%

BAC .08+: 306, 12%

You are not statistic!

Statistics are interesting because they allow lawmakers and others to understand why car crash deaths occur. But, your loss is more than a statistic. Your loss is a real person who is loved and missed

If you have lost a family member to a reckless, careless, or drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss. We know that money can't replace your loved one, but a wrongful death lawsuit allows families an avenue by which to seek justice. For more information or to discuss your claim with an Orange County auto accident attorney, contact Allen, Flatt, Ballidis and Leslie at 866-981-5596. The initial consultation is free.
For more information about the rights of accident victims, request our free book, 7 Mistakes That Could Sabotage Your Accident Claim. Our Orange County auto accident attorneys have written this guide to help all California accident victims get a head start on their claim.