Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Lafayette, LA recorded 86 traffic deaths in 83 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 14.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 83/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities (#15 of 31 in Louisiana, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Lafayette, Louisiana?
Lafayette has a Road Danger Score of 83/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 83 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 86 people — 14.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Lafayette ranks #15 out of 31 ranked cities in Louisiana and #360 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Lafayette's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 45% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Lafayette fell 9% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Lafayette’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 83 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Lafayette | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 16 | 19.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 8.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 37 | 44.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 51 | 61.4% | 49.8% |
Lafayette Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Lafayette, 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 | 16 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2020 | 15 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Lafayette, Louisiana?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Lafayette recorded 83 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 86 traffic deaths — an average of 17.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Lafayette?
Lafayette has a Road Danger Score of 83/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 83% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Lafayette?
Of Lafayette's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 19% involved a drinking driver, 8% involved speeding, 45% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Lafayette each year?
An average of 17.2 people per year died in car accidents in Lafayette over the most recent five-year period (86 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Lafayette more dangerous than in other Louisiana cities?
Lafayette ranks #15 of 31 ranked Louisiana cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #360 of 2,153 nationally.