| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6809 | 2009-11-30 | Statewide | Over 80% of Thanksgiving Highway Fatalities Were Unrestrained |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent HEADQUARTERS- NEWS RELEASE Over 80% of Thanksgiving Highway Fatalities Were Unrestrained BATON ROUGE- The Louisiana State Police investigated eight fatal crashes on Louisiana highways during the Thanksgiving holiday period of November 27 through November 29. These crashes resulted in 16 deaths across the state. The common factor in nearly every crash has been a lack of seat belt use by vehicle occupants. 13 of the 16 occupants that were killed this past holiday were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. Four of these crashes are suspected to be alcohol related. State Police will continue its aggressive public education and enforcement campaigns to promote seat belt and child restraint use and to warn people of the dangers of driving while impaired or distracted. Louisiana State Law now requires ALL vehicle occupants, regardless of age or seating position, to wear a seat belt. All children under the age of 6 must be restrained in a proper child restraint or booster seat. Troopers continue to see impaired drivers on the State's highways. Alcohol is not the only thing that can cause impairment for drivers. Illegal drugs, prescription drugs and even over the counter medications can impair drivers, endangering not only their lives, but the lives of other motorists. Prescription and over the counter medications can still result in an arrest for DWI. Distracted drivers continue to endanger the public by using cell phones, operating electronics, or eating food while driving. A safe driver is a focused driver. Keep your attention on the road ahead. Remember, text messaging is illegal in Louisiana while driving. State Police wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday. Help keep our highways safe and please remember to buckle up. It is the law. | |||
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