One of the leading causes of death in the United States is automobile accidents, with East Baton Rouge Parish residents seeing a drastically higher number than in other locations.
The previous record for traffic fatalities was set in 2007 with 993 deaths, but the new record for 2021 surpassed that, with 997 deaths. Of those deaths, 19% were pedestrian and bicycle fatalities.
In this blog, we’re going to take a look at what factors are contributing to this spike in fatalities, as well as why our Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys at Pierce & Shows should be your choice for legal representation following a car accident or wrongful death in Louisiana.
How Louisiana Compares to the National Average for Traffic Accident Deaths
Annually, the United States sees more than 46,000 deaths caused by car crashes, which is 12.4 deaths per 100,000 people. That number is much higher in Louisiana, with 17.8 deaths per 100,000 people.
With so many deaths per year, you may be wondering where this increase comes from. According to experts, the main reason there are so many accidents is that drivers are distracted. Most of these drivers have been drinking, texting, or speeding.
- Drunk Driving: While alcohol is the reason behind 1 in 3 accident deaths nationally, 40% of all Louisiana highway deaths between 2017 and 2020 were caused by alcohol. The good news is that there have been fewer drunk driving crashes since 2020.
- Distracted Drivers: Distractions while driving are not new and are not likely to go away. However, some distractions can be eliminated in favor of safer roads. On average, Louisiana drivers use their cell phones at least twice each time they are behind the wheel. Whether they were checking a text or scrolling social media, this behavior leads to nearly 5,500 injuries per year.
- Need for Speed: One of the biggest factors that led to fatal accidents in Baton Rouge was speeding. While many drivers choose to follow the posted speed limits, nearly 33% of all car crash deaths were a direct result of drivers speeding on the roads of Louisiana.
- Click It or Ticket: It’s no secret that seatbelts save lives. They’ve been a necessary safety feature on every vehicle produced in the United States since the 1980s. While seatbelts are a requirement by law, this does not mean that all drivers and passengers are using them. More than half of all individuals that were killed in a car crash in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts.
Where Do Most Louisiana Car Accidents Happen?
No matter where you’re driving, it’s important to drive safely, especially if you’re close to home.
52% of accidents happen within 5 miles of the driver’s home, and 69% are within 10 miles.
Accidents can happen in the city, country, and on the highway. There are different dangers depending on where you’re driving.
For this reason, it’s best to take care of yourself and others by following traffic laws. And if you ever need a car accident attorney, Pierce & Shows is here to help.
Pierce & Shows: A Top Choice for Car Accident Attorneys in Baton Rouge
If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident in Baton Rouge, you may be eligible for compensation. You may be able to recover compensation for property damage, lost wages, permanent injury, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and even mental anguish in some situations.
If you have been the victim of an accident, getting legal help can ensure your rights are protected and that you recover as much as you’re entitled to. The state of Louisiana limits the time you have to seek compensation, so be sure to reach out to Pierce & Shows right away to go over the details of your accident and get started with building your case.
