News Summary
Louisiana has recorded its lowest number of traffic fatalities in five years, with 753 deaths in 2024, marking a 7.2% decrease from 2023. The news reflects positive trends in traffic safety, predominantly in reducing fatalities due to driving while intoxicated (DWI). However, the report also highlights concerning increases in cyclist and pedestrian deaths, alongside rising speeding-related fatalities among young drivers. Officials stress the importance of continued efforts and community awareness to enhance road safety throughout the state.
Louisiana has recorded its lowest number of traffic fatalities in five years, signaling a significant reduction in deaths on the state’s roads. In 2024, Louisiana reported 753 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes, marking a 7.2% decrease compared to 2023. This notable decline occurred amid a national reduction rate of 3.8% in traffic fatalities for the same period, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
The data was released on September 9, 2025, and presented by Helmut Schneider, the executive director of the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety, at Louisiana State University. This report reveals successful trends in traffic safety, particularly concerning fatalities resulting from driving while intoxicated (DWI), which saw an 18.3% decrease. Nonetheless, DWI arrests increased by 4.3%, totaling 13,675 arrests in 2024, attributed to heightened law enforcement rather than a rise in drunk driving incidents.
Despite the positive progress indicated by the reduction in overall fatalities, Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, emphasized the need for continued efforts to lower the fatality rate further. Freeman expressed that the commission’s goal will not be achieved until traffic fatalities reach zero.
One significant achievement recorded in this report is the all-time low in motorcycle crash fatalities, which stood at 69 deaths—an impressive 28.9% decrease from the previous year. Yet, the numbers tell a complex story: deaths among cyclists and pedestrians have risen. In 2024, 44 cyclists lost their lives, compared to 35 in 2023, and pedestrian deaths rose to 161 from 147 in the same timeframe.
Another concern arises from a new federal traffic study highlighting an increase in speeding-related fatalities. Speeding was involved in 30% of all motor vehicle fatalities in Louisiana in 2023, representing a steep increase of seven percentage points compared to the previous year. A total of 240 traffic deaths were associated with speeding, with nearly 83% of these incidents occurring on non-interstate roads. Young male drivers aged 15-20 represented 37% of speeding-related deaths, illustrating a concerning trend as they are more than twice as likely to be involved in such fatalities compared to their female counterparts.
The statistics also indicate troubling trends among motorcycle riders, as 36% of those involved in fatal crashes were reported as speeding, and 54% of riders aged 21-24 were speeding at the time of their deadly accidents. The report highlighted a correlation between speeding and seat belt usage, noting that individuals who speed often neglect to wear seat belts, raising significant safety concerns.
Distracted driving remains a major issue in Louisiana, accounting for roughly 22% of all crashes in 2023, resulting in 811 deaths. Despite existing laws against texting while driving and regulations mandating hands-free usage in school zones, distractions continue to be a leading cause of accidents across the state.
As of 2022, Louisiana recorded approximately 20 highway fatalities per 100,000 residents, indicating a stark need for ongoing public safety interventions. While the decline in traffic fatalities and DWI deaths reflects progress, the increase in certain areas, such as speeding and distracted driving, underscores the necessity for continued education, law enforcement, and community awareness to enhance road safety throughout the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- LA Illuminator: Speeding Fatalities on the Rise in Louisiana
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- KPEL: Louisiana Fatal Crash on Highway 90
- Google Search: Traffic Fatalities Louisiana
- Tulane Hullabaloo: Drunk Driving Fatalities Increase in Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Accident
- KSLA: Traffic Congestion on I-20 West Due to Accidents
- Google News: Louisiana Traffic Statistics
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
