If you have to travel any length of distance on your daily commute, you know that the Baton Rouge roadways can be dangerous. Unfortunately, it's not just you. The data shows how serious the risks can be on some of the city’s busiest roads. If you’re wondering which areas to avoid or at least approach with extra caution, here’s what the numbers and reports reveal.

Baton Rouge has a Reputation on the National Stage

According to a 2023 Consumer Affairs report, Baton Rouge ranked #2 in the nation for the worst drivers. While the city dropped to #6 in 2024, the numbers are still alarmingly high and should put all drivers on alert. The rankings are based on five crash-related factors per 100,000 people:

●     Fatalities from vehicle crashes

●     Fatalities from crashes involving bad driving

●     Fatalities involving drivers with a positive BAC

●     Fatalities involving driving under the influence (DUI)

●     Fatalities involving speeding

Sadly, it's not just vehicle occupants at risk. The Advocate reported in 2024 that Baton Rouge ranked as the  5th deadliest metro area in the U.S. for pedestrians. While that sets the tone for the most dangerous roads, it's clear that in Baton Rouge, every road is a hazard whether you're driving or walking.

Baton Rouge's Most Accident-Prone Streets

Based on crash data from 2021 – 2022, several roads stand out as high-risk corridors. If you travel these routes regularly, be on high alert during your commute.

1. I-110 / Great River Road Corridor

This stretch is a major artery for Baton Rouge drivers and a hotspot for wrecks. With a speed limit of 60 mph, it's not uncommon to see the typical rate of speed around 70 - 80 mph, and even higher. The especially dangerous areas include:

●     I-110 at I-10 Interchange

●     Louise Street

●     Chippewa Street

2. North Acadian Thruway

Both the east and west portions of this thruway are notorious for collisions. With a large number of schools in the area, traffic and the flood of drivers coming to and from school help create high accident rates. Some of the high-risk intersections include:

●     Florida Boulevard

●     Government Street

Even as it transitions into South Acadian Thruway, the danger doesn’t disappear. This road sees a steady stream of wrecks throughout the year.

3. Stanford Avenue (near University Lake)

The scenic drive masks serious risks. Between Perkins Road and Highland Road, over 100 accidents occurred in 2021 and 2022. Notably:

●     20+ crashes at the intersection with Perkins Road alone

4. Nicholson Drive – East Boyd Drive – Burbank Drive Triangle

In the southern portion of the city, these three roads form a high-incident triangle:

●     50+ accidents were recorded in this area over two years

●     Wrecks were most common north of Gourrier Avenue

Once you reach LSU’s campus, crash frequency drops, but it doesn’t disappear entirely.

5. Nicholson Drive (South of I-10)

The area between I-10 and Terrace Street is particularly dangerous, with 25+ crashes in 2021–2022 with nearly one per month. That number only increases as you head north toward downtown.

What This Means for You

While avoiding these areas may be practical in some situations, it's difficult to avoid them entirely. To help avoid the increased risk in these areas we recommend that you slow down, stay focused, and avoid distracted driving.

And if you’re ever injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, know your rights. In many cases, unsafe road design or driver recklessness can be grounds for legal action. Call E Eric Guirard Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (844) 833-3003.

SOURCES:

https://data.brla.gov/Transportation-and-Infrastructure/Legacy-Baton-Rouge-Traffic-Incidents-2021-2022-/urth-vdm5

https://www.makeroadssafe.org/most-dangerous-roads-in-baton-rouge/

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/baton-rouge-fifth-deadliest-metro-area-for-pedestrians/article_e853edbc-1e96-11ef-8972-2bbb7fb4b2c5.html