LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE
Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent
TROOP B- NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: February 11, 2010
Louisiana State Police Safety Tips for Mardi Gras 2010
Troop B –Mardi Gras 2010 will draw large crowds in the French Quarter and around the metro area. This will increase traffic in our area, resulting in increased aggressive and impaired drivers on our roads. The Louisiana State Police will be partnering with the New Orleans Police Department, throughout the Mardi Gras season, in an effort to ensure safety in the French Quarter and on New Orleans metro area roadways. Troopers would like to offer everyone a few safety tips in order to keep you, your family and your property safe while enjoying the festivities.
Personal Safety:
- If you are unfamiliar with the area you will be walking in, pick up a local map or get directions from reliable people, such as hotel personnel or law enforcement officers.
- AVOID vacant areas and dark alleys. There is safety in numbers so walk with someone you know or stay with the crowd.
- Do not flash large sums of currency while in public. This could possibly catch the eye of criminals.
- Carry pertinent information (driver’s license, ID, credit cards, keys, etc.) and valuables in your front pocket. This puts pickpockets at a disadvantage. Avoid wearing baggy pants because they are easier targets for criminals. If possible, connect a chain from your wallet to your belt loop, making it more difficult for the criminals.
- Ladies, avoid carrying bulky purses and wearing expensive/flashy jewelry. Ensure your purse is zipped at all times. This prevents criminals from reaching into your purse. Also, carry pertinent information in your front pocket.
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Remember, the first thing alcohol affects is your judgment. A highly intoxicated person can be an easy target for a criminal.
Driving Safety:
- DRIVE SOBER! Prior to enjoying the festivities, make a plan and stick to it! Get a designated driver, take a taxi or have a sober family member or friend pick you up and take you home safely.
- BUCKLE UP! Louisiana law requires EVERYONE in the vehicle to be properly restrained. In the event of a crash, the SAFEST place to be is inside the vehicle.
- IF YOU DRINK AND DRIVE YOU WILL GO TO JAIL! Louisiana State Troopers will be aggressively patrolling the roads for impaired drivers. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.
Parking:
- Pay attention to parking signs and use common sense. There will be limited parking available; attempt to carpool or use an alternate form of transportation.
- Observe the restricted parking areas in and around the French Quarter. Do not block fire hydrants or driveways. Do not interfere with the flow of traffic on streets or sidewalks. This will ensure the safe movement of emergency vehicles / personnel responding to calls for service and emergency situations.
- The New Orleans City Ordinance restricts parking on parade routes 2 HOURS PRIOR or 2 HOURS AFTER the parades.
- Following these tips and the parking signs may prevent you from having your vehicle towed or paying a fine.
- Remember to remove all valuables from your vehicle or from the view of the public eye.
- Double check to ensure your vehicle is locked and the windows are closed. Make sure you have your keys. Also, take a look around you and remember where you parked.
- Know pertinent information about your vehicle, such as your license plate number. This will assist you and the police in determining whether your vehicle has been towed or stolen.
The Louisiana State Police wants everyone to remain safe, make good decisions and have a Happy Mardi Gras!
To report possibly impaired and / or aggressive drivers, please dial *LSP (*577) from your cell phone.
For more information contact:
Trooper Melissa Matey
Public Affairs Unit
Louisiana State Police – Troop B
Office: (504) 471-2780
melissa.matey@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org
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