Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Louisiana recorded 4,268 traffic deaths in 3,960 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 18.6 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #8 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
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 (5-Yr) | 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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.