Baton Rouge has its share of traffic challenges and potential risks. While it is difficult to classify an entire city as universally dangerous to drive in, it is important to be aware of certain factors that may impact driving safety.
Here are some of the most dangerous intersections in Baton Rouge and tips for staying safe on the road.
Airline Highway and Florida Boulevard: This intersection has seen numerous accidents over the years, often due to high volumes of traffic and drivers who are in a hurry. To stay safe at this intersection, be sure to follow traffic signals and watch for other drivers who may be distracted or impatient.
Bluebonnet Boulevard and Perkins Road: This intersection is particularly dangerous for pedestrians, with several accidents involving pedestrians over the past few years. If you’re walking in this area, be sure to use crosswalks and stay alert for oncoming traffic.
Florida Boulevard and Sherwood Forest Boulevard: This busy intersection is a hot spot for accidents, with many drivers attempting to make left turns across several lanes of traffic. To stay safe, be sure to use turn signals and follow traffic signals carefully.
Florida Boulevard and College Drive: This intersection has seen numerous accidents over the years, often due to high volumes of traffic and drivers who are in a hurry. To stay safe at this intersection, be sure to follow traffic signals and watch for other drivers who may be distracted or impatient.
Perkins Road and Essen Lane: This intersection is particularly dangerous for cyclists, with several accidents involving cyclists over the past few years. If you’re cycling in this area, be sure to use bike lanes and wear reflective clothing to stay visible to drivers.
Safety Considerations When Driving In Baton Rouge
Traffic congestion: Baton Rouge experiences traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. Heavy traffic can lead to longer travel times, driver frustration, and an increased risk of accidents due to the higher volume of vehicles on the road.
Aggressive driving: As with many urban areas, some drivers in Baton Rouge may exhibit aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, frequent lane changes, and running red lights. These behaviors can create an unsafe driving environment and increase the risk of accidents.
Inclement weather: Baton Rouge is prone to heavy rain and occasional flooding. During severe weather events, visibility may be reduced, and road conditions can become hazardous. It’s crucial to exercise caution, adjust driving behavior, and avoid flooded areas.
Road construction: Like many cities, Baton Rouge often has ongoing road construction projects, which can result in lane closures, detours, and changes in traffic patterns. Construction zones require extra attention and adherence to reduced speed limits.
Pedestrians and cyclists: As a city with a mix of urban and suburban areas, Baton Rouge has pedestrian-friendly zones and bike lanes. Drivers should be cautious and share the road responsibly, particularly near schools, parks, and downtown areas.
Conclusion
To stay safe on the roads in Baton Rouge, it’s important to be aware of these dangerous intersections and take precautions when driving, walking, or cycling in these areas. Always follow traffic signals, avoid distracted driving, and stay alert for other drivers who may be making unsafe maneuvers. By being mindful of these risks and taking steps to stay safe, you can enjoy all that Baton Rouge has to offer while staying safe on the road.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.