| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 8699 | 2010-10-15 | Troop L | Troopers focus on Teen Drivers during Safety Week |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP L NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 15th, 2010 Troopers focus on Teen Drivers during Safety Week During the week of October 17-23, Louisiana State Police Troop L will team up with local law enforcement agencies to participate in the National Teen Driver Safety Week. The national campaign focuses on teen drivers and dangerous driving behaviors that result in crashes. In an effort to change dangerous driving habits, troopers will be focusing on motorists not wearing seat belts, driving while distracted, and any aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, following too closely, and driving while intoxicated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, more than 3,750 teens ages 15 through 19 died in automobile crashes of all types, and almost 660, or 18 percent, of those were killed in crashes involving some form of distracted driving. While distracted driving comes in many forms, from texting and talking on a cell phone, to eating, or simply playing with a radio, the result is often the same. “Distracted driving continues to be one the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes in the Troop L area,” states Captain Paul Clark, Troop L Commander. “While driver distraction is a danger to motorists of every age, teens seem to be particularly susceptible to the temptations of electronic devices diverting their attention away from the road.” In addition to enforcement patrols, Troop L plans to combat the dangerous driving behavior of teen drivers through regular visits to area schools and participation in community events promoting safe driving practices. Recently, troopers from Troop L participated in the St. Tammany Teen Focus on Safe Driving Conference. The annual conference held in Mandeville, hosted 14 area high schools educating teen drivers on the importance of seatbelt use and the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. Student representatives from each school witnessed firsthand the reality of driving dangers through several safety presentations, including the Louisiana State Police Rollover Simulator and a demonstration by local fire fighters using the Jaws of Life on a wrecked vehicle. “Part of our responsibility as members of this community is to educate the public on the dangers of driving and the importance of safe driving habits,” explains Captain Clark. “An educated driver is a safe driver.” The public can expect to see an increase in the number of troopers patrolling the highways and violations, which affect public safety, will be aggressively enforced. To report aggressive drivers or if you are in need of assistance, you may dial *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone to reach the State Police office closest to you. Contact Information: TFC Nick Manale Public Affairs Unit Troop L Louisiana State Police Office: (985) 893-6250 Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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