State Police Step Up Efforts to Prevent Thanksgiving Car Accidents
State Police Step Up Efforts to Prevent Thanksgiving Car Accidents
AAA projects that approximately 48.7 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving, the highest number of Thanksgiving travelers since 2007.
Unfortunately, more people on the road increases the risk of car accidents. Last year, 10 people were killed and more than 200 were injured in car accidents in Louisiana over Thanksgiving weekend.
That is why the Louisiana State Police (LSP) will be proactively patrolling roadways to prevent car accidents and keep drivers safe.
From Nov. 23 to Nov. 27, LSP will take part in the national Click It or Ticket campaign to help remind motorists that wearing a seatbelt significantly decreases the risk of injury in car accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seatbelt decreases the risk of fatal injury for front seat passengers by 45 percent. Seatbelts also decrease the risk of serious injury by 50 percent.
LSP reminds drivers that Louisiana law requires all occupants of motor vehicles to be properly restrained, regardless of age.
State troopers will also be cracking down on aggressive drivers and impaired drivers by using marked and unmarked patrol vehicles.
Impaired driving was a factor in half of last year’s fatal Thanksgiving crashes. LSP reminds drivers that alcohol can impair vision and fine motor skills needed to drive a car safely.
According to Louisiana State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson, the simplest ways to avoid crashes and injuries this holiday weekend include:
Always wearing your seatbelt
Avoiding impaired driving
Driving within speed limits
Avoiding distracted driving
If you lose a loved one or suffer an injury in a car accident over Thanksgiving weekend, contact our car accidents attorneys for a free, no-obligation legal consultation. We may be able to obtain fair compensation for the damages you have suffered, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Live chat with a representative or call us today at (800) 374-8422.