logo
Log In Subscribe e-Edition Archives
logo
Log In Subscribe e-Edition Archives
Google Play App Store
  • News
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Photo Gallery
  • Columns/Opinions
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Special Sections
    • News
    • Sports
    • Lifestyle
    • Photo Gallery
    • Columns/Opinions
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
    • Special Sections
News
Submitted Article on
October 18, 2023
LA Traffic Fatalities Decreased in 2022

The number of people who died on Louisiana roads dropped by 6.8% in 2022, the result of fewer interstate and drunk-driving fatalities, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announced last week.

According to the statistics, which were compiled by the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, 906 people died in crashes involving motor vehicles last year, compared to 972 in 2021.

“A decrease in roadway deaths is what we aim for, but there’s much more progress to be made,” LHSC Executive Director Lisa Freeman said. “We still have too many impaired drivers on the road, too many distracted drivers, and not enough people wearing their seat belts.”

The statistics show a 23.7% decrease in the number of people killed on interstates and an 8.2% drop in fatalities involving drivers who were legally drunk. Freeman said both factors are directly tied to post-pandemic conditions.

“As pandemic restrictions lifted last year, more people were driving on the interstates to physically return to work and school,” Freeman said. “When traffic volume increases, we don’t see as much speeding, which is a major contributor to fatal crashes. Interestingly, more traffic actually translated into fewer roadway deaths.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, there was less traffic and less traffic enforcement. Statewide traffic enforcement efforts increased in 2022, and so did public awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.

“In 2022, we had an 8% increase in DWI arrests and an 8% decrease in drunk-driving fatalities,” Freeman said. “That is not a coincidence.”

While a decrease in fatalities is good news, the same four factors influence most non-pedestrian fatal crashes – impaired driving, distracted driving, lack of proper seat belt usage, and aggressive driving.

“Seat belt use is incredibly important,” Freeman said. “Among last year’s fatal crashes in which seat belt usage was known, tragically, about half of the people who died were not wearing a seat belt.”

Another tragic reality involves Louisiana’s vulnerable road user population. Although overall fatalities decreased in 2022, the number of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists who were killed remained near or above 2021 levels. Pedestrian deaths totaled 183 in 2022, compared to a record-high 185 in 2021. Bicycle fatalities rose from 35 to 44 last year, and motorcycle fatalities increased from 86 to 88.

Other statistics show:

The number of young drivers (24 or younger) in fatal crashes decreased from 235 to 222 last year.

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab reported that 1,260 drivers involved in crashes or issued citations tested positive for drugs in 2022. The most common drugs detected were marijuana, narcotics, and stimulants.

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
It might also interest you...
The Whimsical World of Dr. Seuss!
A: Main, News
The Whimsical World of Dr. Seuss!
June 18, 2025
Approximately 25 parish youth performed The Strand Village Project #thrive production, “Seussical Jr.” last Friday at the Jena High School auditorium....
this is a test
No Water In Jena Tonight
A: Main, News
No Water In Jena Tonight
By Craig Franklin Editor 
June 18, 2025
The entire Town of Jena Water System will be turned off tonight, Wednesday, June 18, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m., to allow contractor crews to complete ...
this is a test
Olla Lacks Funds For Sewer Project
A: Main, News
Olla Lacks Funds For Sewer Project
By Reagan Franklin Assistant Editor 
June 18, 2025
The Olla Town Council learned last week that they are still short of funds to begin work on the much-needed Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Accord...
this is a test
Temporary Bridge Opens In Tullos
A: Main, News
Temporary Bridge Opens In Tullos
By Craig Franklin Editor 
June 18, 2025
Motorists who travel regularly on US 84 through Tullos were delighted to see the new temporary bridge opened last month as the area continues to wait ...
this is a test
Work On New Olla Pool Progressing
A: Main, News
Work On New Olla Pool Progressing
Staff Report 
June 18, 2025
If everything would have gone according to plans, construction on a new swimming pool in Olla would have begun this summer. Unfortunately, it will lik...
this is a test
Road Problems Discussed Again at Jury Meeting
News
Road Problems Discussed Again at Jury Meeting
By Craig Franklin Editor 
June 18, 2025
For the second meeting in a row, the condition of parish roads was one of the main topics discussed at the LaSalle Parish Police Jury’s monthly meetin...
this is a test
ACE Circular
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ACE Circular
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Search Public Notices

The Jena Times
OLLA-TULLOS-URANIA SIGNAL
P: (318) 992-4121

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
Sat-Sun, Closed

This site complies with ADA requirements

© The Jena Times

  • Advertisers
  • Contact
  • Privacy Accessibility Policy