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Posted in Car Accidents on September 21, 2020
Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of deaths in the United States and a massive concern in Louisiana. Each year the Highway Safety Research Group at LSU releases compiled data on motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana. This specific data provides stats from across the state, taking into account local police departments and information from all the Parishes. These figures are extremely important to not only gauge crashes and to figure out safety programs around these statistics. But they are also useful for those safety officials or engineers looking into developing new cars and safety features to make motor vehicles or roads safer.
In this blog post, we will delve into Louisiana’s motor vehicle accident issue. Specifically, focusing on the Parishes in Louisiana that have the highest number of motor vehicle accidents and some of the reasons behind these deadly crashes.
Data compiled by Louisiana State University indicate that during 2020, there have been 25,342 motor vehicle crashes, and more than 40,607 injuries suffered as a result of these crashes in Louisiana. Out of all these accidents, the top five Parishes in terms of the highest injury accident rates are:
Lafayette, with a population of 244,390, is the fifth largest populated Parish in Louisiana. According to statistics, Lafayette had 1,561 motor vehicle crashes so far in 2020. These crashes resulted in 2,475 injuries and ten fatalities. Even though Lafayette is a city with smaller roads, drivers tend to be more alert and drive slower. Major accidents here are often attributed to drivers going through red lights or dangerous intersections. However, with its population increasing by 3.26% since the last census, it is no surprise that the overcrowded streets have resulted in an increase in congestion and motor vehicle accidents. Intersections that result in the most motor vehicle accidents in Lafayette Parish include:
In 2020, Jefferson Parish had a total of 2,011 motor vehicle crashes, which resulted in 2,921 injuries and 13 deaths. Jefferson Parish has a large population of 432,493, which is the second-highest in the state and is continuously growing. Yet, despite these high numbers, the accident rates remain low compared to its overall size.
With an estimated population of 240,204, Caddo ranks sixth in Louisiana in terms of population. In 2020, accident reports showed that even though it had 1,853 motor vehicle crashes, which is fewer than Jefferson Parish. The number of injuries was much higher. These car accidents resulted in 3,187 injuries and 25 fatalities.
With the state’s highest population at 440,059, East Baton Rouge has seen its fair share of motor vehicle accidents and injuries. Yet, even though it is so densely populated, it only ranks second in most motor vehicle accidents and injuries. In 2020, the area has seen 2,876 motor vehicle accidents, 4,659 injuries, and 46 deaths.
Orleans Parish is ranked second in the state in terms of population at 390,144. However, it is ranked first when it comes to the number of motor vehicle accidents and injuries. Known for its massive tourism, Orleans is filled with crowded and overpopulated streets. Unfortunately, when combined with the areas many bridges and one-way roads, it is no surprise that Orleans Parish has so many car accidents and injuries. In 2020, there have been more than 3,153 motor vehicle accidents, 5,175 injuries, and 30 fatalities. Sadly, these motor vehicle accident statistics also tend to be higher here because of drunk driving. Due to the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street and the attractions that the area brings, drinking and driving has become a significant issue here. When combined with the aggressive and distracted drivers and all the speeding accidents, Orleans Parish has become number one in terms of its deadly and catastrophic car crashes.
Traffic in Louisiana has picked up over the years. With an increase in the state’s tourism and many of the Parishes seeing an influx of new residents. Roadway accidents have also increased across the state. Even though driver negligence is a top factor in these motor vehicle accidents, poor road conditions have also resulted in numerous casualties.
However, the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana are often the result of:
In fact, alcohol plays a major role in Louisiana’s motor vehicle accidents. Louisiana was ranked as the ninth most dangerous state for alcohol-impaired driving. In 2020, the Parishes with the highest injury rates when alcohol was a factor included the following:
Unfortunately, no matter how careful or observant you are when you are driving. If another driver is operating a motor vehicle while impaired due to alcohol or drugs. Their actions can still result in a deadly and devastating accident, and you can be a victim.
Motor vehicle accident statistics are vital to not only health and safety guidelines but information for victims that have been in these horrific crashes. When we can pinpoint the specific areas and roads that result in the highest amount of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities, we can point out the most problematic spots in Louisiana and try to figure out why this is and what can be done about it.
However, these figures are more than just numbers. Ultimately, each of these motor vehicle accidents represents an injured individual, a hurt family, and a devastating loss to the community.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Louisiana, contact the Law Office of John W. Redmann today. Or call our law office at 504-500-5000. You do not have to go through this devastating ordeal alone. Let us fight for the compensation and justice that you deserve.