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The Thanksgiving holiday week is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. In response, the Louisiana State Police will have an increased number of troopers on patrol during this holiday period working to keep traffic moving and motorists safe. This extra allocation in manpower is in part made possible by overtime funds provided by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Because proper use of passenger restraints can prevent deaths and reduce injuries, troopers will be focusing on laws requiring use of seatbelts and child restraints. Louisiana law requires that all occupants be properly restrained regardless of their age or seating position. While not all crashes are avoidable, seatbelts can greatly improve the survivability of crashes.

In 2010, 58% of Louisiana drivers killed were not wearing a seatbelt and 65% of Louisiana passengers, ages 5 and older that were killed, were not wearing a seatbelt. “Sadly, the holidays, which for many are the happiest time of the year, can be deadly and tragic,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. “The primary danger to travelers is the possibility of being involved in a vehicle collision. These dangers can be reduced by properly preparing for your trip, driving defensively, and always wearing a seatbelt.”

Troopers will also be targeting aggressive and impaired drivers. Drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be arrested. There is a direct correlation between driving while intoxicated and speeding when related to traffic fatalities. Motorists must be reminded that alcohol has many effects on the body. Alcohol can impair visual ability, alter sense of time and space, impair fine motor skills needed to operate a motor vehicle, and decrease reaction times. Just one drink may cause these effects.

Motorists can report unsafe or impaired drivers to the nearest LSP troop by dialing *577 (*LSP) from a cellular phone or by contacting the local law enforcement agency.

Contact Information:

S/T Daniel “Scott” Moreau

Public Information Officer

Louisiana State Police – Troop E OR Your Local LSP PIO

Office: (318) 769-9USA (872)

scott.moreau@dps.la.gov

www.LSP.org