The Louisiana State Police Department was notified recently that the state of Louisiana will be recognized by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) for reporting the greatest reduction in highway death rates. This is the first time that Louisiana will receive this award.

Louisiana is one of three co-winners of the 2011 AAMVA Region II Highway Safety Award for reporting the greatest reduction in highway death rates per 100 million miles driven. This figure was determined from the most recent reporting period, as reported within the NHTSA FARS database. This is the first time that three Region II jurisdictions have tied for this award. The other co-winners are the states of Florida and Georgia. AAMVA Region II includes the states/territories of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

According to the most recent NHTSA FARS data, Louisiana experienced a 12 percent decrease in fatal crashes from 2008 to 2009. When comparing 2009 data to 2007, Louisiana experienced a 19 percent decrease in fatal crashes. The projected number of fatal crashes for 2010 is 687 which is a 24 percent decrease in fatal crashes compared to 2007.

“Highway safety continues to be a priority for the Louisiana State Police. I believe these numbers reflect the success of agency partnerships, proactive enforcement efforts and safety educational programs,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police superintendent. “It is also indicative that the public is getting the message. Working together we can change the culture of acceptance in Louisiana.”