A recent ConsumerAffairs report ranked Louisiana as the worst state in the nation for road rage for the second year in a row. Louisiana received a score of 100 out of 100, which means it had the highest risk for aggressive and careless driving.
According to ConsumerAffairs, more than half of deadly crashes involve aggressive or careless driving. Louisiana had the highest rate of these crashes in the country. These findings suggest that unsafe driving behaviors remain a serious public safety concern across the state.
State officials agree with this assessment. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission lists road rage as one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road.
Aggressive Driving and Car Wrecks in Louisiana
Aggressive driving plays a major role in car wrecks throughout Louisiana. Traffic safety data shows that risky driving behaviors increase the chance of a crash, especially on busy roads in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Prairieville, and along I-10 and I-12.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving includes speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, running red lights, and failing to yield. These actions give drivers less time to react and make crashes more likely. National traffic data shows that speeding is a factor in about 30 percent of all fatal crashes each year. Following too closely and unsafe lane changes are also among the leading causes of multi-vehicle crashes. Read more about it here.
Related: A Dash Cam is an Important Evidence in a Wreck
How Road Rage Increases Crash Risk
Research shows a clear link between aggressive driving and car wrecks.
- One out of every three fatal crashes involves at least one aggressive driving behavior.
- Drivers who speed are up to three times more likely to be involved in a serious crash.
- In Louisiana, unsafe speed and failure to yield are consistently listed among the top five causes of fatal and injury crashes.
In addition to causing more crashes, aggressive driving often leads to more severe injuries. When a driver acts aggressively and causes an accident, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. These driver’s actions may even cause their employer or rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft to be liable for your damages and injuries.
What Types of Crashes Happen Most Often?
Crash data shows that some types of wrecks are more common than others.
- Rear-end crashes are the most common. They make up about 29 percent of all crashes nationwide and are the most reported crash type in Louisiana.
- Sideswipe crashes often occur on multi-lane roads and interstates like I-10 and I-12, where lane changes are frequent.
- T-bone crashes, also called side-impact crashes, usually happen at intersections. While less common, they often cause serious injuries.
Where Road Rage Is Most Common
The location of a road can affect how often aggressive driving occurs.
- Urban areas, including Baton Rouge and nearby suburbs, see more crashes because of heavy traffic and frequent stops.
- Freeways and interstates have higher rates of aggressive driving due to speed, merging traffic, and congestion.
- Rural roads have fewer crashes overall, but crashes there are more likely to be deadly because vehicles travel at higher speeds.
- Bridges are not a main cause by themselves, but traffic slowdowns on bridges can increase tailgating and rear-end crashes.
What This Means for Local Drivers
In Baton Rouge, Prairieville, and Gonzales, rear-end crashes are the most common type of wreck. Many of these crashes involve aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding or following too closely. They often occur during busy travel times on major roads and interstates.
Bottom Line
The data shows a clear connection between aggressive driving and car wrecks in Louisiana. Rear-end crashes are the most common, and aggressive driving is more frequent in urban areas and on interstates. Slowing down, leaving space, and staying focused can lower crash risk and help keep Louisiana roads safer.
If you or someone you love is hurt in a car wreck, Call Corzo at (225) 351-0459 because help, respect, and justice are only one call away.