Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Baton Rouge, LA recorded 278 traffic deaths in 260 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 25.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 97/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities (#1 of 31 in Louisiana, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Baton Rouge has a Road Danger Score of 97/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 260 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 278 people — 25.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Baton Rouge ranks #1 out of 31 ranked cities in Louisiana and #56 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Baton Rouge's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Baton Rouge fell 41% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Baton Rouge’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 260 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Baton Rouge | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 70 | 26.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 46 | 17.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 111 | 42.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 182 | 70.0% | 49.8% |
Baton Rouge Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2020 | 58 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Baton Rouge recorded 260 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 278 traffic deaths — an average of 55.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge has a Road Danger Score of 97/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 97% of ranked US cities. The city averages 25.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Baton Rouge?
Of Baton Rouge's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 27% involved a drinking driver, 18% involved speeding, 43% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 70% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Baton Rouge each year?
An average of 55.6 people per year died in car accidents in Baton Rouge across 2020–2024 (278 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Baton Rouge more dangerous than in other Louisiana cities?
Baton Rouge ranks #1 of 31 ranked Louisiana cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #56 of 2,153 nationally.