A recent report indicates that fatal Louisiana car accidents are on the rise. The total number of fatal car accidents increased 2% from 2016 to a total of 771 in 2017.
The total number of fatalities is certainly alarming on its own, but it is especially troubling when you dig into the numbers to see some trends emerging.
Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Louisiana Car Accidents
Alcohol was a factor in 40% of the fatal Louisiana car accidents in 2017. One would hope that the advertising campaigns, zero tolerance policies and associated criminal penalties, and availability of punitive damages for drunk driving accidents would curb drinking and driving. Despite all of this, however, it remains an issue that is costing people in Louisiana their lives.
Louisiana Drivers Continue to Not Wear Seatbelts
Louisiana, like many states, has pushed the “Click It Or Ticket” initiative to make people wear their seatbelts. Still, the study shows that more than half of the traffic fatalities (specifically, 56%) in 2017 involved drivers who were not wearing their seatbelts.
Parishes Where Most Fatal Louisiana Car Accidents Occurred
It should come as no surprise that East Baton Rouge Parish and Orleans Parish had the highest number of traffic fatalities, with 69 and 45 respectively. The parish with the lowest number of fatalities was Plaquemines Parish, which only had 1.
Total Number of Accidents and Injuries Decreases
Despite the negativity, the positive aspect of the study was that the total number of accidents and the total number of injuries decreased in 2017. There were a total of 76,618 injuries (down 6% from the previous year) and 47,484 (down 4.7% from the previous year).
Call a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been hurt in a car accident or truck accident, The Mahone Firm is here to help you through this difficult process. Call (504) 564-7342 for a free and confidential consultation with an injury lawyer today.
