Driving is an everyday activity for most people, and it can be easy to forget the risks involved. These statistics can be alarming but are essential to understand for everyone who uses the state's roads. In this blog, we will explore Louisiana's traffic safety statistics, discuss why they matter, and provide tips to help you be a safer driver.
Traffic Safety Statistics
According to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), there were 67,917 injuries and 879 fatalities on Louisiana roads in 2022.
Louisiana Fatalities by Crash Type
Of the 972 fatalities over the course of a year:
- 541 fatalities resulted from single-vehicle crashes.
- 135 fatalities resulted from crashes involving a truck.
- 281 fatalities resulted from crashes involving speeding.
- 217 fatalities resulted from crashes involving a rollover.
- 483 fatalities resulted from crashes involving a roadway departure.
- 186 fatalities resulted from crashes involving an intersection.
Top Contributing Factors in Louisiana Crashes
The top five contributing factors in 2022 crashes are as follows:
- Operated motor vehicle in an inattentive, careless, negligent, or erratic manner
- Followed too closely
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Disregard of traffic sign
- Failed to keep in the proper lane
Louisiana Parishes with the Highest Fatality Rates
The top ten Louisiana parishes with the highest fatality rates in 2021 are as follows:
- St. Helena Parish
- Tensas Parish
- Richland Parish
- Madison Parish
- St. James Parish
- Assumption Parish
- De Soto Parish
- Acadia Parish
- West Baton Rouge Parish
- Concordia Parish
Do Your Part in Keeping Our Roads Safe
To ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, here are eight tips to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the road:
1. Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt while driving or riding in a vehicle can prevent serious injuries if an accident occurs. Seatbelts help to restrain the body and prevent it from being tossed around in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
2. Never Drive Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but is also a leading cause of accidents. Alcohol and drugs can interfere with your ability to make quick decisions and react to unexpected situations on the road.
3. Follow the Speed Limit
Obeying the posted speed limit is essential to safe driving. Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents and makes it more difficult to avoid hazards on the road.
4. Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is becoming a major issue in Louisiana and across the United States. Avoid using your cell phone or other electronic devices, eating, talking with passengers, or engaging in any other activities that may take your attention away from driving.
5. Maintain Your Vehicle
Regular maintenance of your vehicle can prevent mechanical failures, which can cause accidents, and help ensure the overall safety of your vehicle.
6. Drive Defensively
Defensive driving means being aware of road conditions, other drivers, and potential hazards. Always be alert and watch for other drivers who may not be following traffic laws or exhibiting dangerous behavior behind the wheel.
7. Yield to Pedestrians
Pedestrians have the right of way in most situations. Be sure to always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
8. Use Turn Signals
Signaling your intentions with turn signals is a crucial aspect of safe driving. It allows other drivers to anticipate your actions and react accordingly.
By following these driving safety tips, drivers in Louisiana can help reduce the number of accidents and injuries on the road. Remember, driving safely not only protects you and your passengers but also helps keep others on the road safe.
Speak With an Attorney Today During Your Free Consultation
As a driver, it's essential to be aware of the factors that can increase the chances of an accident and to take steps to minimize them. Remember to always wear a seatbelt, avoid distractions, be a responsible driver, and keep an eye out for teenagers on the road. By following these tips and taking precautions, we can all help reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on Louisiana's roads.
That being said, even when you do everything right, things can still go wrong. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Louisiana, our experienced team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys will help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.
Contact us online or call us at (225) 230-3110 to schedule an appointment with our experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys in Baton Rouge today.