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Fatal Crashes in Louisiana

Louisiana Fatal Crashes

Learn about fatal crashes that occured on Louisiana roadways.

Latest Updates on Fatal Vehicle Crashes in the State of Louisiana

Lake Charles Pedestrian Succumbs to Injuries After December 30 Highway 14 Crash, Police Investigation Continues

Lake Charles, Louisiana - A 63-year-old Lake Charles man has died after being struck by a vehicle in a crash on Louisiana Highway 14, and the Lake Charles Police Department Traffic Division is continuing its investigation. The Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office...
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Louisiana Teen Dies After Dirt Bike Crash On LA Highway 308 In Assumption Parish

Paincourtville, Louisiana - Louisiana State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash on Louisiana Highway 308 near Lucky Street in Assumption Parish that claimed the life of an 18-year-old Napoleonville resident on December 31, 2025. According to...
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Sulphur Man Killed In Head-On Crash On Louisiana Highway 190 In Acadia Parish

Basile, Louisiana — A 62-year-old Sulphur man was killed New Year’s Day in a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 190 in Acadia Parish, according to Louisiana State Police. Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop I responded to the incident around 7 p.m. on Jan....
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Unrestrained Louisiana Teen Killed In Single-Vehicle Tow Truck Crash On LA 19 Near Thompson Creek Road

NORWOOD, La. — Louisiana State Police say a 15-year-old passenger was killed Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash involving a flatbed tow truck on Louisiana Highway 19 near Thompson Creek Road in Norwood. According to Louisiana State Police Troop A, the...
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Lake Charles Bicyclist Dies After Broad Street Hit-And-Run Crash; 20-Year-Old Arrested

Lake Charles, Louisiana - A 64-year-old bicyclist died after a hit-and-run crash involving a car and a bicycle Saturday night in Lake Charles, according to the Lake Charles Police Department. The incident happened around 8:26 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in the...
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Common Questions About Road Work in Southwest Louisiana

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What are the primary causes of fatal car accidents in Louisiana?

The leading causes of fatal car accidents in Louisiana are consistently tied to dangerous and preventable driving behaviors. While every crash has unique circumstances, data from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the LSU Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) point to several primary factors:

  • Impaired Driving: Driving While Impaired (DWI), whether from alcohol or drugs, remains a top cause of traffic fatalities in the state. Louisiana consistently has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related crash deaths in the nation.

  • Distracted Driving: With the prevalence of smartphones, distracted driving is a major contributor to deadly accidents. This includes texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the GPS or radio, or any other activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road.

  • Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Exceeding the speed limit, driving too fast for conditions, tailgating, and making unsafe lane changes significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of a crash, often making it fatal. Major corridors like I-10, I-12, and I-49 are common sites for these types of accidents.

  • Failure to Use Seatbelts: A significant number of vehicle occupants killed in Louisiana crashes were not wearing a seatbelt. A seatbelt is a critical safety device that dramatically increases the chances of survival in a serious collision.

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How many fatal crashes happen in Louisiana each year?

The number of fatal crashes in Louisiana fluctuates annually, but the state consistently records a tragically high number of traffic-related deaths. In recent years, Louisiana has seen between 800 and 1,000 traffic fatalities per year.

For the most current data, it is best to consult official sources like the Louisiana State Police and the LSU CARTS “Louisiana Crash Data Reports” portal.

It is important to note that Louisiana often has a higher fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled when compared to the national average. This indicates that driving in Louisiana can be particularly dangerous. Parishes with major urban centers and heavily traveled interstates, such as East Baton Rouge Parish, Orleans Parish, and Jefferson Parish, frequently report the highest number of fatal incidents.

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When and where are fatal crashes most likely to occur in Louisiana?

While a serious accident can happen anywhere at any time, data shows that fatal crashes in Louisiana are more common under specific conditions and in certain locations. Understanding these risk factors can help drivers stay safer.

  • High-Risk Times: The most dangerous times to be on the road are consistently at night, on the weekends (especially Friday and Saturday nights), and during major holiday periods like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and New Year’s Eve. These periods see a higher incidence of impaired driving and fatigue.

  • High-Risk Locations:

    • Rural Roads: Surprisingly to some, Louisiana’s rural two-lane roads are the site of a disproportionately high number of fatal crashes. Factors like higher speeds, poor lighting, sharp curves, and longer emergency response times contribute to the danger.

    • Major Interstates: High-traffic corridors like I-10, I-12, I-20, and I-49 see many deadly accidents due to high speeds and the sheer volume of vehicles, including large commercial trucks.

    • Intersections: A large percentage of fatal and serious injury crashes happen at intersections, often caused by drivers running red lights or failing to yield the right-of-way.

By being extra vigilant during these high-risk times and in these locations, drivers can significantly reduce their chances of being involved in a catastrophic accident. Always manage your speed, pay close attention to your surroundings, and never drive impaired.