Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in New Orleans, LA [2025 Updated]

Accidents can happen at any time in any place throughout New Orleans, but they are more frequent in certain areas. Drivers in the city have to be aware of the most dangerous roads and intersections in New Orleans, LA, to remain as safe as possible. When crashes do happen, a skilled New Orleans car accident lawyer can help you sort out liability and pursue compensation.

Not all accidents are preventable. However, being aware of where more accidents occur and where fatal accidents are disproportionately happening helps drivers and pedestrians remain cautious, take extra precautions, and avoid these areas when they are busiest. For context on how often and where crashes cluster, recent New Orleans crash statistics are useful when planning routes and timing.

Accidents on City Streets

Many accidents occur on city streets throughout New Orleans. The Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) reported that 4,906 crashes occurred in New Orleans in 2024. Dangerous city streets may include Canal Street, W Pinhook Road, and Claiborne Avenue.

Accidents on Interstates

I-10 is considered one of the most dangerous interstates that passes through New Orleans. Nine of the top 10 Louisiana truck bottlenecks occur on I-10, according to the state’s Department of Transportation & Development. Six of those bottlenecks are on roads connected to New Orleans. This congestion can increase the risk of accidents.

Another potentially dangerous interstate includes I-12. Interstate collisions often occur because of fatigued drivers, high speeds, poor road conditions, and high traffic volume.

Accidents on U.S. Highways

Accidents on U.S. highways are disproportionately fatal. U.S. 90, U.S. 190, and U.S. 61 are U.S. highways to remain cautious while driving around and within New Orleans.

Accidents on Louisiana State Highways

LA-3139 and LA-48 are the primary state highways that pass through New Orleans. While these roads have a lower number of accidents compared to other roadways, it is still crucial to remain safe and drive defensively.

Accidents at New Orleans Intersections

Intersections are a frequently dangerous place. CARTS reported that 2,572 crashes occurred at intersections in New Orleans. Of these crashes, 1,925 of them occurred on local roads, while 858 occurred on state roads in New Orleans in 2024. There was a higher rate of fatalities at state intersections compared to local intersections.

Despite intersection crashes making up over half of all crashes and having a similar rate of injury crashes, only 36% of intersection accidents were fatal. Some intersections in New Orleans that are frequently considered dangerous include:

• Canal Street and N Dorgenois Street
• Canal Street and S Norman C. Francis Parkway, formerly known as S Jefferson Davis Parkway
• Canal Street and N Claiborne Avenue
• Canal Street and Magazine Street
• Washington Avenue and Magazine Street
• US 90, Duels Street, and Republic Street
• Garden Oaks Drive, General De Gaulle Drive, and Westbend Parkway
• S Claiborne Avenue and Gravier Street
• S Claiborne Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
• St. Charles Avenue and Napoleon Avenue
• Downman Road and Chef Menteur Highway
• Earhart Avenue and S Carrollton Avenue

Intersection accidents in New Orleans can be caused by congestion, sudden lane changes, high speeds, streetcars, and other dangers. These accidents are often especially dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians who travel throughout the city. It is wise to be cautious at these intersections and avoid distractions.

FAQs

What Is the Deadliest Road in Louisiana?

One of the deadliest roads in Louisiana is considered to be I-10. It is a very busy road with high-volume commercial truck traffic. There are also several bridges, frequent traffic congestion, and high-speed roads. All of these factors can lead to a greater risk of accidents, including fatal accidents. The road conditions on I-10 are also continually degrading, which can lead to a crash.

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in New Orleans?

There are several dangerous intersections in New Orleans, including several roads that intersect with Canal Street, such as S Norman C. Francis Parkway, N Claiborne Avenue, N Dorgenois Street, and Magazine Street. Magazine Street and Washington Avenue is also a potentially dangerous intersection. There are also several dangerous road intersections along S Claiborne Avenue, including Gravier Street and MLK Jr. Boulevard.

What Is the Most Dangerous Type of Road to Drive on in New Orleans?

U.S. highways are one of the most dangerous types of roads to drive on in New Orleans. I-10 is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the area because of high traffic volume, high speeds, and the large presence of commercial vehicles. Poor road conditions also contribute to the danger, with factors such as potholes or debris in the road. Understanding common high-risk crash patterns can help drivers adjust—see how serious crash types tend to occur in New Orleans.

What Is the Busiest Road in Louisiana?

I-10 is one of the busiest roads in Louisiana, as it was one of the primary commercial shipping routes throughout the state, supporting interstate commerce. Because it is such a busy road, it’s crucial that drivers on the interstate remain cautious and are alert to potential congestion, construction, and other hazards.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in New Orleans

Accidents on roads and intersections can occur for many reasons, including poor lighting at night, distracted drivers, dangerous weather conditions like fog, roads in disrepair, driving under the influence, and mechanical failures. While you can be cautious, you can’t always stop an accident from occurring, and you can reach out to a seasoned New Orleans car accident attorney for help.

In nearly all accidents, a driver is to blame for the accident for failing to uphold a duty of care. Other parties, such as the agency responsible for road maintenance or the manufacturer of a defective car part, could also be liable. If you are involved in an accident in New Orleans, hire a car accident lawyer at Murphy Law Firm who can help you hold the right party accountable for your financial losses.

The dedicated legal team at Murphy Law Firm has been helping members in our community for decades when they need it most. The seasoned car accident attorneys at our firm recently won an $18.9 million settlement for a car accident victim and their family, and the firm has earned over $250 million for clients over the years. Contact our firm today.

About The Author

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community. Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991. Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice. Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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