“Think Safety” This Holiday Season

State police say they're the holiday visitors you don't want to see at your front door...to make a death notification for a family member. Unfortunately, dozens of families in Louisiana may receive just such a visit this holiday season, and troopers are asking drivers to be mindful of the risks of holiday travel. Traffic volume increases this time of year...and so does impaired driving. Last December, there were 67 fatal crashes statewide. Of those, almost half involved an impaired driver. Troopers encourage drivers to plan ahead if they intend on drinking alcohol...by riding with a sober driver or making other travel arrangements. All law enforcement agencies say they've stepped up patrols for Christmas and New Year's -- and are being extremely vigilant in pursuing dangerous drivers...those who drive drunk or distracted, don't buckle up, and don't have child passengers properly secured.