While parade goers are snagging necklaces this Mardi Gras season, Louisiana law enforcement officers are stepping up patrol to catch impaired drivers during the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign through February 13. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Greg Fischer says too many people are getting hurt and killed in accidents involving impaired drivers during Mardi Gras season.
“We kinda see the most issues, a larger amount of crashes particularly fatal crashes, crashes with serious injuries require more attention so that’s why we run it during Mardi Gras.”
During the 2022 Mardi Gras holiday, 11 people were killed and 120 people were hurt in crashes that involved a driver who had been drinking, according to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation.
Fisher says Mardi Gras is one of the deadliest times to be on the roads due to the number of impaired drivers. And it’s not just alcohol.
“If you have a car full of kids, or a car full of friends, and you guys are dressed up, ready to go out or to the parade and you’re hype…music and stuff like that – those are all distractions.”
And while most of the attention is on New Orleans, there were no accidents reported in the Crescent City in 2022. But there were fatal accidents in Acadia, Ascension, Caddo, East Baton Rouge, St. Charles, Tangipahoa, and Webster Parishes during carnival season in 2022.
Fisher says there’s a responsible way to celebrate safely. He says make plans for a sober driver.
“Try not to let your friends drive while impaired. Step in if you have to and say something. It’s become really easy to grab a ride share these days or even a cab or just wait.”
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