Staying Safe on Louisiana Roads: A July Crash Analysis
As we celebrate the Fourth of July and enjoy the height of summer, it’s essential to remain safe on the roads. Louisiana experienced a significant number of crashes in July 2023. Understanding these statistics can help us take precautions and stay safe. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we are here to support you and ensure you receive the help you need if an accident occurs.
July 2023 Crash Overview
According to the Louisiana State University’s Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety, July 2023 recorded the lowest total number of crashes for the year, with 10,504 incidents. Despite this lower number, the month still saw substantial impacts:
- Fatal Crashes: 55 fatal crashes resulted in 60 fatalities.
- Injury Crashes: 2,830 crashes led to 4,576 injuries.
- Alcohol-Related Crashes: 292 drivers involved in injury crashes had alcohol in their system. Alarmingly, 42% of drivers in fatal crashes had consumed alcohol.
Fourth of July Holiday Period
The holiday period around the Fourth of July is a time of heightened travel and celebration, which unfortunately leads to more accidents. The statistics for 2023 highlight this trend:
- Injury Crashes: 290 suspected injury crashes occurred per 100 hours during the holiday period.
- Fatal Crashes: 7 fatal crashes resulted in 8 fatalities.
- Injuries: 485 suspected injuries were reported, with the most injuries occurring on July 3 and the most fatalities on July 4.
Comparing these numbers to July 2022, where there were 72 fatal crashes and 3,347 crashes resulting in injuries, we see a slight improvement. However, the holiday period in 2022 saw even more concerning figures:
- Injury Crashes: 312 suspected injury crashes.
- Fatal Crashes: 14 fatal crashes resulted in 14 fatalities.
- Injuries: 511 suspected injuries.
A Significant Month for Fatal Crashes in Select Parishes
In July 2023, certain parishes stood out due to the number of fatal crashes. While Caddo, St. Helena, and Livingston Parishes did not have the highest number of fatal crashes overall, July 2023 saw the highest number of fatal crashes in these parishes compared to other months of the year. This underscores the importance of heightened safety measures during this time.
A Call for Road Safety
As we navigate through July, especially around the Fourth of July, it’s crucial to practice safe driving habits. With increased traffic from summer travels and holiday celebrations, the risks are higher. Here are some tips to stay safe:
- Avoid Alcohol: If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service.
- Buckle Up: Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same.
- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions, such as texting or eating while driving.
- Follow Speed Limits: Obey all traffic laws and speed limits.
We’re Here to Help
At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, your safety is our priority. If you or a loved one is involved in an accident, our team is ready to assist you. We understand the impact a crash can have on your life, and we are dedicated to providing the support and representation you need.
By staying aware and practicing safe driving, we can help reduce the number of crashes and make Louisiana’s roads safer for everyone. Let’s celebrate responsibly and ensure that the joys of summer and the Fourth of July are not marred by preventable tragedies.
Stay safe, Louisiana, and enjoy your summer responsibly! If you need us, remember, we’re just a call away.
