Mayor Helena Moreno announced on May 15 that the City of New Orleans has taken a significant step toward improving street safety with the signing of the Safe Streets Executive Order. This directive formally adopts the city’s Safety Action Plan, which is designed to reduce severe and fatal traffic crashes.
The initiative aims to cut deadly and serious crashes in half by 2031 and ultimately eliminate traffic deaths on city streets. The Safety Action Plan (SAP) uses data-driven strategies to address predictable and preventable tragedies at dangerous intersections throughout New Orleans.
“This executive order puts transportation safety at the center of how we plan, design, and operate our streets,” Mayor Moreno said. “This work is about saving lives, protecting families, and making sure every person in New Orleans can travel safely through their neighborhood.”
The SAP highlights that dozens of residents die each year from traffic violence, with hundreds more suffering life-altering injuries. A review of crash reports from high-incident intersections revealed 54 fatal or injury crashes over five years, including multiple pedestrian incidents and hit-and-runs where drivers fled before officers arrived. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 2,161 people killed or seriously injured on city streets—more than eight people each week—with many incidents occurring at intersections where drivers ignored signals.
“Roadway injuries and deaths are preventable,” Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services said. “We know where people are getting hurt, and we have the tools to take action now.” Stephen Nelson, Deputy CAO of Infrastructure added: “This plan is built on hard data and hard truths. The numbers confirm what residents see every day: too many dangerous intersections, too many unsafe speeds, and too many preventable tragedies. Now, with this plan formally adopted, we can prioritize the fixes that will save the most lives.” Captain Anthony Micheu also said: “While we are encouraged by the progress being made, fatal and serious injury crashes remain a significant concern in our city. NOPD continues to work alongside our public safety and city partners to examine the factors contributing to these crashes and support strategies that create safer streets for everyone who lives in and visits New Orleans.”
The SAP prioritizes changes such as expanding pedestrian signals with lead intervals at crosswalks; reinforcing safe speeds through lane narrowing; improving intersection visibility; enhancing lighting; maintaining safety infrastructure; launching multimedia communications about roadway safety; as well as targeted enforcement against speeding or distracted driving.
Looking ahead, a Transportation Safety Partnership Task Force will be created among various departments to coordinate projects targeting corridors with high rates of fatal or severe crashes.