| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2029 | 2010-12-22 | Troop B | Louisiana State Police Urges Safety this Holiday Season |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP B- NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: December 22, 2010 Louisiana State Police Urges Safety 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 Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC) reports, 47 people were killed in crashes on Louisiana highways during December of 2009. Out of that number, 45% of those fatal crashes involved driver impairment by drugs and/or alcohol. 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 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. Troop B has investigated one (1) fatal crash during the month of December 2010. Captain Carl Saizan, Commander of Troop B said, “Lack of seatbelt use and driver impairment combined account for a large majority of fatal crashes across our state. These crash causing factors are totally preventable. I urge the drivers on our highways to make the right decisions by buckling up and driving sober. We have seen a decrease in fatal and serious injury crashes this year and this trend can continue when drivers make sound choices. We are committed to providing public education within our community and we will continue to aggressively enforce the laws of Louisiana in order to keep our highways safe.” 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. The men and women of the Louisiana State Police would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. 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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