| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 5510 | 2010-10-18 | Troop F | Louisiana State Police Troop F to Participate in National Teen Driver Safety Week |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent News Release October 18, 2010 Louisiana State Police Troop F to Participate in National Teen Driver Safety Week Area motorists hitting the road on October 17-23, 2010 should wear their seat belts or be ready to face the consequences. That’s the message Louisiana State Police Troop F will be sending, as they buckle down on all motorists not buckling up—especially teens. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, teenage drivers and passengers still have not gotten the message about the importance of wearing a seat belt and are still one of the least likely groups to buckle up. From 2003 to 2008 in Louisiana, 73 percent of teen passenger vehicle occupants, ages 16-20, killed in motor vehicle crashes were not buckled up at the time of the fatal crash. Had all these teens been wearing their seat belts, as many as half of them would have survived. That’s why in an effort to save more lives, Louisiana State Police Troop F is stepping up seat belt enforcement. As part of this effort, troopers will patrol school zones and other locations in the Troop F area looking for people –especially teens– who choose not to wear their seat belt. Troop F Commander, Captain Kevin Reeves said "regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Sadly, too many Louisiana motorists still need a reminder to always wear their seat belts, so our troopers are going to be out in force cracking down on those who are not buckled up. Troopers will also focus their attention on impaired driving and distracted driving as well. Distraction in the vehicle, such as cell phones, texting, and passengers, can lead to serious crashes." Our message to all drivers, especially teens, is simple: buckle up, drive sober and avoid all distractions. Understand that tragedies can and do happen all the time. Never assume that it cannot happen to you. Louisiana law requires all passengers, regardless of seating position, to be properly restrained when driving or riding in a vehicle. Contact Information, Trooper First Class Mark Dennis Louisiana State Police Troop F Public Affairs Office: (318)345-2810 | |||
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