Fatal/Injury Crashes Down

Baton Rouge –

According to preliminary data, the Louisiana State Police continues to see the number of fatal crashes and resulting deaths decline on Louisiana’s highways.  This downward trend has been consistent since the appointment of Colonel Mike Edmonson as State Police Superintendent in January of 2008.

“Although one death is too many, we are encouraged by this significant reduction and downward trend,” said Colonel Edmonson.  “We will continue our proactive enforcement efforts and promote safety through education and public information.  Our established partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the state remain critical to our collective successes.  This trend also indicates that the public is willing to partner with us by making the personal decision to buckle up and never drink and drive.”

Fatal crashes investigated by the State Police are down over 5 percent from 2009 to 2010.  The deaths resulting from these crashes are down 8 percent.  Over the course of the current administration from year end 2007 through 2010, crash investigations by State Police have experienced a 23 percent reduction in fatal crashes and 21 percent reduction in deaths.

Crashes involving non-fatal injuries are also on the decline.  State Police investigated 10,506 injury crashes in 2010 compared to 11,513 in 2009, a 9 percent reduction.

                Fatal Crashes                Deaths                

2007                       529                   582
2008                       456                   511
2009                       428                   500
2010                       405                   460