New Orleans Health Department, Public Works Leaders Issue Statement on Rising Traffic Fatalities for New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS — Dr. Jennifer Avegno, director of the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) and Sarah McLaughlin Porteous, acting director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), issued the following statement on the state's recent release of updated traffic data:
"Yesterday, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission released a sobering confirmation of what we have suspected for some time now: when it comes to traffic injuries and fatalities, New Orleans is in the midst of a public health and safety crisis.
In 2021, 69 people died while traveling in our city, the highest number of traffic fatalities since 2004 and a 35 percent increase from 2020. An additional 338 people were severely injured on our roads in 2021, the highest since at least 2013. Reasons for this increase include high rates of speed, drug and alcohol impairment, aggressive and distracted driving and lower seat belt use.
These tragedies are nearly all preventable with smart road design, traffic calming measures and individual safe driving behaviors. NOHD and DPW are committed to using all tools at our disposal to protect our residents and make them healthier and safer on our roadways."
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