Many families in Louisiana travel during Thanksgiving. People drive from Baton Rouge to Gonzales, from Ascension Parish to Livingston Parish, and across East Baton Rouge Parish to visit loved ones. It is a special time to gather, but it is also one of the most dangerous weeks to be on the road. Researchers studied crash data to learn what makes roads risky in Louisiana and across the country.
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Speeding makes roads unsafe
Speeding is one of the top reasons roads become dangerous. When drivers go too fast, they have less time to stop and less control of their car. About 36 percent of Thanksgiving crash deaths happen because someone was speeding. This is a major problem on busy roads in Baton Rouge and Gonzales, and on highways like I-10 in Ascension Parish.
Drunk or impaired driving adds danger
Uber and Lyft help reduce drunk driving, but many rideshare drivers take time off during the holiday. This means more people drive themselves after family gatherings. Impaired driving continues to be a serious risk on Louisiana roads, especially at night or after holiday events in places like Baton Rouge, Prairieville, and Gonzales.
Heavy traffic increases crash risks
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. More cars on the road means more chances for accidents. Roads like I-10, Airline Highway, and local parish roads in Ascension Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish often become crowded. Heavy traffic can make driving slow, stressful, and more dangerous.
Rural roads can be risky too
Dangerous roads are not only in large cities. Some of the deadliest Thanksgiving crash spots are in smaller counties and rural areas. One example is I-10 in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, which has had several deadly crashes during the holiday. Many Louisiana communities have rural roads that can be dark, narrow, or have fewer signs. This makes them harder to navigate, especially during busy travel times.
Related: How Roundabouts are Changing Louisiana Traffic
Places like Addis, Brusly, Donaldsonville, Greenwell Springs, Iberville Parish, Livingston, Plaquemine, and Prairieville all have rural routes that drivers use every day. These roads may have sharp turns, limited lighting, or long stretches without signals. Because of this, drivers need to be extra alert when traveling in these areas during Thanksgiving or any holiday.
Old problems have returned
From 2005 to 2011, deadly crashes during Thanksgiving went down. After that, the progress stopped. Fatal crashes have risen almost 38 percent since then. Distracted driving, speeding, and heavier holiday travel may all play a role. This trend affects families across Louisiana, including drivers in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Prairieville, and surrounding parishes.
Related: Holiday Safety Shopping Guide
Some states face even higher risks
Large states like California and Texas have more total crashes because they have more people. But when looking at crashes per person, Wyoming and Alabama have the highest rates. This shows that even states with smaller populations can have very dangerous roads. For Louisiana families, it is a reminder that safety depends on careful driving and road conditions, not just population size.
The deadliest Thanksgiving roads from 2004 to 2023
Researchers found the ten roadways with the most Thanksgiving traffic deaths over nearly 20 years. One of them is in Louisiana.
- SR-78 in San Diego County, CA: 9
- I-15 in San Bernardino County, CA: 11
- SR-85 in Okaloosa County, FL: 10
- I-5 in Los Angeles County, CA: 10
- I-605 in Los Angeles County, CA: 10
- I-10 in Ascension Parish, LA: 9
- SR-91 in Indian River County, FL: 9
- I-8 in Imperial County, CA: 9
- US-19 in Pinellas County, FL: 9
- I-15 in Riverside County, CA: 9
Staying safe on Louisiana roads
Dangerous roads often share the same problems. They involve speeding, impaired driving, heavy traffic, poor lighting, and distracted drivers. No matter where you drive in Louisiana, whether in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Ascension Parish, or any nearby community, staying alert and slowing down can help keep you and your family safe during Thanksgiving travel and all year long.
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.