In Louisiana, vehicle crash statistics for 2023 show that 811 people were killed in 755 fatal crashes, while 60,334 people were injured in 38,144 injury crashes statewide. Traffic fatalities decreased by approximately 10.5% compared to 2022, reflecting an improvement in overall roadway safety, although Louisiana continues to experience one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation. Pedestrian fatalities totalled 147 deaths, while 97 motorcyclists and 35 bicyclists were killed during the year. Speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving and failure to wear seatbelts remained major contributing factors in fatal crashes, with nearly 50% of vehicle occupants killed not wearing a seatbelt. Commercial vehicles were involved in about 9% of all fatal crashes and passenger car occupants accounted for nearly 37% of all traffic deaths. Rural highways and high-speed roadways continued to experience a significant share of severe and fatal crashes, while urban areas recorded higher overall crash volumes due to traffic density and congestion. Overall driver behaviour, occupant protection and roadway conditions remain key factors influencing traffic fatalities and injuries across Louisiana.
Passenger car occupants made up approximately 29% (about 235 fatalities) of all traffic deaths.
Motorcycle riders accounted for roughly 12% (about 97 fatalities).
Occupants of light trucks and SUVs represented approximately 31% (about 251 fatalities).
Crashes involving buses and public transportation were responsible for around 4% (about 32 fatalities).
Semi/tractor-trailer related crashes contributed approximately 1% (about 8 fatalities).
Pedestrians comprised about 18% (approximately 146 fatalities) of the total traffic deaths in the state.
Louisiana's most dangerous highway, particularly through Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Heavy congestion, high-speed traffic, frequent lane changes and severe weather contribute to a large number of fatal crashes.
A major east-west corridor connecting Baton Rouge and Slidell. Heavy commuter traffic, truck traffic and frequent multi-vehicle collisions make it one of the state's deadliest roads.
Known for high-speed rural sections, dangerous intersections and heavy commercial traffic. Fatal crashes are common along both urban and rural stretches.
One of Louisiana's most accident-prone roadways, especially between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Congestion, commercial traffic and numerous intersections contribute to a high crash rate.
Running through central and northern Louisiana, I-49 experiences frequent severe crashes due to high speeds, rural driving conditions and commercial vehicle traffic.
Single-vehicle fatal car accidents occur in rural central and northern Louisiana, particularly around Lake Charles and rural parishes.
of fatal car accidents in Louisiana happen in rural areas.
Multiple-vehicle fatal car accidents occur in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metropolitan areas.
of fatal car accidents in Louisiana happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
The Headphones Ban - In the state of Louisiana drivers are forbidden from wearing headphones or earbuds while driving a vehicle on public roads and highways. The only exception is made for hearing aids and communication systems used in commercial transport and installed in some motorcycle helmets. However, this exception is only for the purpose of communication; you may not use any of these systems for the purpose of entertainment, such as listening to music and podcasts.
Cows Have the Right of Way - Vehicles must yield the right of way to cattle crossing between two parcels of land owned or leased by the same entity. Drivers are warned about potential cattle crossing hazard up ahead with cattle crossing sign posted by the Department of Transportation.
Left Lane Reserved for Passing - The leftmost left-hand lane on multilane highways and interstates is reserved for passing traffic. If a vehicle continues to travel in the left lane without passing, the driver risks getting a fine that can range anywhere between $150 and $350. This Louisiana law is crucial, as it helps reduce congestion and helps ensure a free flow of traffic.
The Pizza Prank Is a Crime - Under Louisiana’s Unauthorised Ordering of Goods or Services law, you can face a $500 fine if you instruct a pizza delivery man to deliver a pizza to your friend without them knowing. The state considers the unsolicited or surprise delivery to someone with the intent to harass or annoy them a criminal offense. In addition to the fine, this office can also include up to six months in jail.
No Horse Parking on the Highway - A New Orleans ordinance explicitly prohibits tying a horse to a tree on a highway, park or any public land. The horse is not a car and the tree is not a parking meter. The law aims to protect the city’s urban environment from horse-related damage.
Child Passenger Smoking Ban - In Louisiana it is illegal to vape or smoke a cigarette, pipe, or cigar in a vehicle while a child under the age of 13 is present. It remains unlawful even if all the vehicle’s windows are open and law enforcement is allowed to pull over vehicles for strictly this violation. Penalties for violating this law can range from $150 per the first offense all the way to community service.
No Pouring Drinks on the Ground at Drive-Ins - In Jefferson Parish there is a local ordinance that prohibits people from pouring out their drinks on the ground at any drive-in movie. Since traditional movie theatres are practically non-existent in the current time, this law was once important, as it aimed to keep drive-ins clean from sticky spills.
Marbles Require a Permit - An old and quirky municipal code in the city of New Orleans mandated that people obtain a written permit from the parkway and park commission in order to host a game of marbles at Lafayette Square. Technically unrelated to driving, but if you're planning to play marbles in Lafayette Square, know that you will need to file some paperwork first.
Steal a Gator, Go to Jail - Stealing an alligator or crawfish is considered a serious crime in the state of Luisiana and is punishable with up to $3,000 fine and up to ten years in prison. In the case that you see a gator on the side of the road while driving, it is important to remember they may be someone’s property.