Louisiana Action Network (LAAN54) - Statewide Coverage

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  ( LAAN 54 ) — Baton Rouge has one of the highest shares of fatal crashes occurring after dark in the country, according to a September 2026 study of nighttime traffic safety in 280 U.S. cities. The Hines Law study found 173 fatal crashes occurred in darkness in Baton Rouge from 2020 through 2024, with 79 pedestrians killed during nighttime crashes. About 70% of the city’s fatal crashes occurred after dark, one of the highest rates identified in the study. Researchers found 188 people were killed in nighttime crashes during the five-year period. The study calculated nighttime fatality rates using city populations and examined crashes recorded by police as occurring in darkness. It also considered fatal crashes occurring on roads without street lighting and pedestrian deaths. Researchers noted that speeding was involved in about 18% of Baton Rouge’s nighttime crashes examined in the study. A Hines Law legal expert said nighttime crashes can be influenced ...

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana ( LAAN 54 ) — Louisiana officials are continuing to address infrastructure needs across the state as communities prepare for continued growth and development. Transportation projects in Lafayette, Shreveport and other Louisiana communities remain a major focus for local and state governments. In Lafayette, officials recently announced a major federal infrastructure award connected to the I-49 Connector. State officials have also continued efforts to modernize government services and strengthen infrastructure designed to support residents and businesses. Infrastructure spending remains an important part of Louisiana's economic development strategy.