As millions of drivers hit the roadway for the Thanksgiving holiday, State Police are reminding Louisianans to buckle up and travel safely. Sergeant James Anderson says wearing a seatbelt is the most effective measure to minimize injury in the event of a crash.
“There are things you can do to minimize a crash. Watch your speed. Make sure you have proper following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination but in the event you are in a crash, wearing a seat belt is your very best defense.”
More than 49 million people will travel 50 miles or more by car during the Thanksgiving holiday according to the American Automobile Association.
Anderson says Louisiana’s seat belt law requires every occupant in a vehicle to wear a seat belt. He says the majority of fatalities in the Bayou State involve 15 percent of vehicle occupants who do not wear seat belts.
“Last year over the Thanksgiving travel period, Louisiana State Police investigated 10 fatal crashes resulting in 10 fatalities and our goal is zero this year. That’s what we would like to see.”
Anderson says additional troopers and local law enforcement will be on the roadway looking for impaired drivers and anyone not wearing seat belts. He urges everyone to click it and help save lives.
“Our goal is voluntary compliance. In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to write any seat belt tickets. So if everyone just wears their seat belts. We’d much rather give thanks than tickets this Thanksgiving.”
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Click it or Ticket campaign runs through Sunday.
Comments