| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 1736 | 2009-12-21 | Troop B | Traveling Tips and Safety for this Holiday Season |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP B- NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: December 21, 2009 Traveling Tips and Safety for this Holiday Season Troop B - The Christmas and New Year holiday season brings families together across the state and across the country. It is a heavy traveled time of the year, and our highways are much more congested. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports, 3,074 people were killed in crashes across America during December of 2008. Out of that number, 888 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08g% or higher. The Louisiana State Police would like to remind everyone to stay sober if you are getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated and those offenders will be arrested for DWI. Troopers will also be issuing citations for hazardous violations, such as following too closely, speeding, distracted driving and careless operation. Also, Louisiana law now requires all occupants in the vehicle to be buckled up. Troopers will focus on unrestrained occupants and unrestrained children and those violators will receive citations. Troopers will be extremely vigilant on the highways this holiday season ensuring the safety of the motorists. Please remember to buckle up and secure children in the appropriate age/weight child safety seat. Louisiana State Police suggests several driving tips while making the long drive to your destination. First, ensure that your vehicle is in good working order. Have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle. Second, make sure you have enough fuel to take you to your destination. Third, if you plan on driving for more than two hours, take frequent breaks. This allows you time to stretch and prevents you from getting sleepy while driving. Fourth, take your time. We want everyone to reach their destination safely; there is no need to rush. Remember, a sleepy driver is just as dangerous as an impaired driver. If motorists observe unsafe driving or possible impaired driving, they are urged to call *LSP (*577) from their cell phone and report this activity to the nearest State Police office. | |||
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