The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is crediting record-high seat belt use for a record-low number of crash injuries in 2025. LSU data shows 54,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes last year — the lowest number since the state began keeping detailed records. Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says seat belt use also reached a record high of 88%.
“It seems like a pretty positive correlation there, between fewer injuries and higher seat belt usage,” Fischer noted.
But not all the numbers are positive.
The state recorded 766 motor vehicle fatalities in 2025, up from 753 the previous year. Fischer says that increase coincides with an 11% rise in DWI fatalities.
“To see an 11% increase in DWI fatalities, there’s just no question that when you get behind the wheel under the influence, that you are putting yourself in danger; and other people as well,” Fischer said.
Fischer says more needs to be done to educate drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
“So it is a little bit disheartening to see the fluctuating DUI fatalities number going up there; but hopefully, we’ll get it back under control for 2026,” Fischer said.
Motorcycle fatalities also increased significantly — from 69 in 2024 to 96 last year. Fischer says that total includes e-bike riders who died in crashes.
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