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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=809

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
809 2009-12-22 Troop A Troop A Wishes Motorists a Happy…and Safe, Holiday Season
LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE

Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent

HEADQUARTERS - NEWS RELEASE

December 22, 2009

Troop A Wishes Motorists a Happy…and Safe, Holiday Season

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana State Troopers would like to remind drivers to be extra cautious this holiday season. Along with Christmas and New Years approaching comes additional traffic on the roadways. From getting last-minute shopping completed to attending company and family parties, people are on the roadways more now than usual. Historically, the holiday season has been one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving. 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.” Impaired drivers accounted for approximately half of all the fatal crashes in Louisiana last year.

Louisiana State Police Troop A is joining with other state and local law enforcement agencies to get impaired drivers off our roadways. Troop A intends to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our highways during this holiday season with troopers focusing on motorists not wearing seat belts, unrestrained children in vehicles, and any aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, following too close, and especially, driving while intoxicated.

By following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing his life or the lives of others who may be on the road:
· Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
· Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys
· If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
· If you see a drunk or aggressive driver on the road, immediately contact local law enforcement
· If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

To report impaired/aggressive drivers or unsafe roadway conditions, you may dial *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone to reach the State Police Troop closest to you.

Contact Information:

TFC Russell G. Graham II
Public Affairs Unit
Louisiana State Police – Troop A
Office: (225) 754-8524
russell.graham@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org

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