Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, New Orleans, LA recorded 312 traffic deaths in 297 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 17.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 90/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 90% of ranked US cities (#9 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 New Orleans, Louisiana?
New Orleans has a Road Danger Score of 90/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 297 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 312 people — 17.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
New Orleans ranks #9 out of 31 ranked cities in Louisiana and #208 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 90% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in New Orleans's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 45% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in New Orleans fell 1% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind New Orleans’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 297 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | New Orleans | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 56 | 18.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 47 | 15.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 133 | 44.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 198 | 66.7% | 49.8% |
New Orleans Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in New Orleans, 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 | 59 |
| 2023 | 60 |
| 2022 | 73 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2020 | 51 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for New Orleans, Louisiana?
According to NHTSA FARS data, New Orleans recorded 297 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 312 traffic deaths — an average of 62.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in New Orleans?
New Orleans has a Road Danger Score of 90/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 90% of ranked US cities. The city averages 17.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in New Orleans?
Of New Orleans's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 19% involved a drinking driver, 16% involved speeding, 45% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in New Orleans each year?
An average of 62.4 people per year died in car accidents in New Orleans over the most recent five-year period (312 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in New Orleans more dangerous than in other Louisiana cities?
New Orleans ranks #9 of 31 ranked Louisiana cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #208 of 2,153 nationally.