Statewide Traffic Safety Study Phase I PDF Download

In the last decade, Louisiana's traffic related fatality rate has consistently put Louisiana within the top eight highest ranking states in the nation with regard to such; in 2001, Louisiana tied with Montana and South Carolina as states with the highest fatality rates. That year, Louisiana's fatality rate was 2.3 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, while the national average was 1.5. As would be expected, Louisiana's high crash rate has significant economic and social costs. Property damage, lost productivity, medical expenses, and inflated motor vehicle insurance rates imposed an estimated 5.3 billion dollar burden on the state in 2002. Although these costs are not distributed equally, fatality rates among Louisiana's 16 to 20 year olds are double that of all other ages. While improving road safety is a national objective, the conditions in Louisiana justify an independent study of conditions and opportunities for improvement within the state.