LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE
Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent
TROOP C- NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: December 22, 2009
Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Driving Tips
Gray - 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. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, “Last year in Louisiana, 20 people were killed and 1,007 were injured in crashes over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.” The Louisiana State Police would like to remind everyone to stay sober if you are getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Also, Louisiana law now requires all occupants in the vehicle to be buckled up. There will be more Troopers on the highways this holiday season ensuring the safety of the motorists. 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 and careless operation. Troopers will also focus on unrestrained occupants, unrestrained children, speeding, and aggressive driving. 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. 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. On behalf of the Louisiana State Police and Troop C, we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season.
For more information contact:
M/T Bryan Zeringue
Public Affairs Unit
Louisiana State Police – Troop C
Office: (985) 857-3683
Bryan.Zeringue@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org |