State transportation officials report 2021 set a new record-high for highway fatalities. Nearly a thousand people died on state roadways last year; topping the previous record of 993, set in 2007. State Secretary of Transportation Shawn Wilson says the 2021 total of 997 fatalities is an alarming number.
Preliminary data shows there were 914 crashes on Louisiana roads, resulting in 997 deaths. By comparison, there were 762 crashes and 828 the previous year. Dr. Wilson says it’s a sign that we need to be more cautious while driving.
“Clearly we should take life more seriously, and take our responsibility behind the wheels of vehicles much more seriously,” says Wilson.
Wilson says traffic accidents are both tragic and too often preventable. He says no amount of state laws can make people slow down, allow more travel time and pay stricter attention to the road. However, he says lawmakers are doing everything they can to legislate safer highways.
Wilson says three things can greatly reduce highway deaths: buckling your safety belt, refraining from driving while impaired and remaining undistracted while behind the wheel. He says safety in construction zones is also very important. A great number of deaths occur where men are working.
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