Feature
December
16
Stay Safe this Holiday Season
by Bryan Zeringue, Louisiana State Police Troop C
It’s that time of year when everyone is busy with last minute shopping, attending parties and generally spending more time on the road. 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, 22 people were killed and over 1,000 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 C will be joining with other law enforcement agencies to get impaired drivers off of our roadways by implementing the “Zero for December” campaign. Troop C intends to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our highways during this holiday season by implementing the “No Refusal” initiative. This “No Refusal” initiative ensures that every person arrested for a DWI and who refuses to submit to a chemical test will have a blood sample taken pursuant to a search warrant signed by a judge. This will ultimately allow for full prosecution of these offenders and more importantly, decrease the number of fatalities and serious injury crashes this holiday season. Enforcement will also focus on motorists not wearing seat belts, unrestrained children in vehicles, aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, following too close and especially driving while intoxicated.
Troop C Commander Captain Darrin Naquin would like to remind motorists that the holiday season is a time to enjoy with family and friends. Plan and prepare so that you and your love ones can make this holiday season a memorable one.
To report impaired or aggressive drivers or unsafe roadway conditions, dial *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone to contact the state police troop nearest you.
By following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their 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.
