Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety say Louisiana ranks seventh for best highway safety laws on the books. The Bayou State is lauded for having nine of the organization’s recommended safety laws. President Kathy Chase says Louisiana’s laws excel at protecting more than just the driver.
“Louisiana is doing really well with occupant protection laws. You all have a primary enforcement seatbelt law for front and back seat passengers, which is excellent. You also have an all rider motorcycle law.”
Chase acknowledged the state’s sky high auto insurance rates, but having the right laws on the books helps to promote general safety.
But, the group says we still have some room for improvement. Chase notes the state should do more to address safety concerns when it comes to younger drivers, and infant passengers.
“You are lacking some child passenger safety laws, and some teen driving laws, but you are also strong with the two distracted laws that we include in our report.”
Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval attempted to pass a law last session banning drivers from holding their cell phones while driving, but it fell short. Chase thinks the sentiment is right, but says Louisiana really needs to ban any cell use while driving if they want the safest possible roads.
“It sends a message, if you have a hand held ban, that it’s ok to be talking on the phone or communicating if your device is not handheld, when it fact it’s the mental distraction that is the problem.”
The report notes the annual economic cost of US crashes is 242 billion dollars.
