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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=8779

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
8779 2010-12-22 Troop L Troopers focus on Safety this Holiday Season
LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE


Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent

TROOP L NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 23rd, 2010

Troopers focus on Safety this Holiday Season

As a busy Christmas and New Year’s Holiday approaches, Troop L wants to remind motorists to drive carefully this holiday season and make it a safe holiday for everyone traveling on Louisiana’s roadways. With the rise of holiday gatherings, parties, and shopping comes an increase in traffic on our highways. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every 45 minutes or 32 times a day, someone in the United States dies in an alcohol impaired driving crash. The holiday season can be one of the deadliest times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving.

During the month of December and January, Louisiana State Police Troop L is joining with other state and local law enforcement agencies to get impaired drivers off of the roads, and remind motorists this holiday season that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. The consequences of drinking and driving can be costly no matter how many drinks you’ve had. Violators often face jail time, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses—including attorney’s fees, court costs, car towing, and lost work time.

“Troop L’s commitment to aggressive DWI enforcement and hazardous moving violations has resulted in a decrease in fatality crashes compared to 2009,” explains Captain Paul Clark, Troop L Commander. “This decrease in fatal crashes shows the impact that can be made in our community by enforcing those violations that lead to serious crashes.”

Following these steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the 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 happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
  • And remember, 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 aggressive drivers or unsafe roadway conditions, you may dial *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone to reach the State Police office closest to you. For information on road construction or detours, please use the motorist information system and dial “511” or visit our website at www.lsp.org.




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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