Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Louisiana recorded 4,268 traffic deaths in 3,960 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 18.6 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #8 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Louisiana Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Louisiana Cities to Drive In
All 31 ranked Louisiana cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baton Rouge | 97/100 | 278 | 25.4 |
| 2 | Hammond | 97/100 | 26 | 24.9 |
| 3 | Monroe | 96/100 | 54 | 23.3 |
| 4 | Pineville | 95/100 | 15 | 21.3 |
| 5 | Sulphur | 94/100 | 20 | 20.0 |
| 6 | West Monroe | 93/100 | 12 | 19.4 |
| 7 | Natchitoches | 92/100 | 16 | 18.9 |
| 8 | Gonzales | 92/100 | 13 | 18.2 |
| 9 | New Orleans | 90/100 | 312 | 17.1 |
| 10 | Shreveport | 90/100 | 149 | 17.0 |
| 11 | Slidell | 89/100 | 24 | 16.9 |
| 12 | Alexandria | 89/100 | 36 | 16.8 |
| 13 | Minden | 84/100 | 8 | 14.5 |
| 14 | Carencro | 84/100 | 10 | 14.3 |
| 15 | Lafayette | 83/100 | 86 | 14.2 |
| 16 | Bastrop | 82/100 | 7 | 13.8 |
| 17 | Baker | 81/100 | 8 | 13.4 |
| 18 | Morgan City | 80/100 | 7 | 13.1 |
| 19 | Lake Charles | 80/100 | 51 | 13.1 |
| 20 | Abbeville | 78/100 | 7 | 12.8 |
| 21 | Bossier City | 77/100 | 39 | 12.4 |
| 22 | Zachary | 75/100 | 12 | 11.9 |
| 23 | Gretna | 75/100 | 10 | 11.9 |
| 24 | Ruston | 73/100 | 13 | 11.7 |
| 25 | Broussard | 68/100 | 8 | 10.7 |
| 26 | Houma | 66/100 | 16 | 10.3 |
| 27 | Covington | 66/100 | 6 | 10.3 |
| 28 | Kenner | 51/100 | 25 | 8.0 |
| 29 | Crowley | 50/100 | 5 | 7.9 |
| 30 | Mandeville | 48/100 | 5 | 7.7 |
| 31 | Opelousas | 41/100 | 5 | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Louisiana?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 3,960 fatal car accidents in Louisiana from 2020 to 2024, killing 4,268 people — an average of 854 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Louisiana roads compared to other states?
Louisiana averages 18.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #8 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Louisiana?
Of Louisiana's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, and 55% happened in dark conditions.
Which Louisiana city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Louisiana cities, Baton Rouge has the highest Road Danger Score (97/100) at 25.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.