New Orleans is a vibrant and bustling city, but it is also known for having some of the most dangerous intersections in Louisiana. Whether you are a tourist or a resident, it is important to be aware of these dangerous intersections and take precautions to stay safe on the road. Here are some of the most dangerous intersections in New Orleans:
Critical Intersections to Watch Out For
Canal Street and North Claiborne Avenue: This intersection is one of the busiest in the city and has been the site of numerous accidents over the years. To stay safe, be sure to follow traffic signals carefully and watch for pedestrians who may be crossing the street.
St. Charles Avenue and Napoleon Avenue: 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.
Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road: This intersection is known for its high traffic volumes and has seen numerous accidents over the years. To stay safe at this intersection, be sure to follow traffic signals carefully and watch for other drivers who may be making sudden lane changes.
Claiborne Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard: This intersection is located in a high-traffic area and has seen numerous accidents over the years. To stay safe at this intersection, be sure to watch for other drivers who may be distracted or making unsafe maneuvers.
Magazine Street and Washington Avenue: This intersection is located in a busy shopping district and is known for its heavy foot traffic. To stay safe, be sure to watch for pedestrians who may be crossing the street and follow traffic signals carefully.
Safe Driving Practices in The Big Easy
Driving in New Orleans, like any city, requires attention and awareness due to the presence of heavy traffic, narrow streets, and unique driving conditions. Here are some tips for driving safely in New Orleans:
- Familiarize yourself with the city
- Be cautious of pedestrians
- Watch out for streetcars
- Navigate narrow streets carefully
- Pay attention to road conditions
- Observe parking restrictions
- Use caution in the French Quarter
- Be patient in traffic
- Avoid distracted driving
- Use public transportation or alternative modes
Ensuring Safety Amidst the Unpredictability
To stay safe on the roads in New Orleans, it is 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 New Orleans 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.