Lack Of Seat Belt Use Leads To Tragic Holiday Weekend

Baton Rouge

– The Louisiana State Police investigated six fatal crashes on Louisiana highways during the Thanksgiving holiday period of November 25 through November 28.

These crashes resulted in six deaths across the state.

The common factor in Louisiana’s fatal crashes continues to be lack of seat belt use and impairment.  State Police will continue its aggressive public education and enforcement campaigns to promote seat belt and child restraint use and to warn people of the dangers of driving while impaired.  However, the public must do their part and make the individual choice to buckle up and refrain from driving impaired.

Holiday Fatal Stats

Troop A (Baton Rouge): NONE

Troop B (New Orleans): NONE

Troop C (Houma/Thibodeaux): Three crashes resulting in three deaths (1 pedestrian and 2 unrestrained persons).  Impairment is unknown pending chemical tests.

Troop D (Lake Charles): NONE

Troop E (Alexandria): NONE

Troop F (Monroe): NONE

Troop G (Shreveport): NONE

Troop I (Lafayette): One crash resulting in one death.  Impairment is unknown pending chemical test.

Troop L (Mandeville): Two crashes resulting in two deaths (2 unrestrained persons).  Impairment is suspected to be a factor in one crash.

Louisiana State law now requires ALL vehicle occupants, regardless of age or seating position, to wear a seat belt.  All children under the age of 6 or less than 60 pounds must be restrained in a proper child restraint or booster seat.

Troopers continue to see impaired drivers on the State's highways.  Alcohol is not the only thing that can cause impairment for drivers.  Illegal drugs, prescription drugs and even over the counter medications can impair drivers, endangering not only their lives, but also the lives of other motorists.  Prescription and over the counter medications can still result in an arrest for DWI.

Note: Last Thanksgiving, State Police investigated eight fatal crashes resulting in sixteen deaths.