ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - As families across Louisiana hit the road for Christmas celebrations, Louisiana State Police are reminding drivers to slow down and stay focused behind the wheel.
Traffic increases during the Christmas holiday as people travel to visit loved ones. Because of the higher volume of vehicles on the road, LSP is increasing patrols and watching closely for speeding, distracted driving and impaired drivers.
Wearing seatbelts, obeying speed limits and putting phones away while driving can help prevent serious crashes. Many holiday crashes happen because drivers are in a hurry.
“That’s the biggest thing that we see is the rush factor,” said Casey Wallace, Public Information Officer with Louisiana State Police. “People are trying to get somewhere too fast. Most of what we see are crashes that could have been avoided if drivers were paying attention.”
LSP is also urging people to be aware of their surroundings while shopping during the holiday season. Troopers recommend parking close to stores, choosing well-lit areas and staying alert to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a crime.
“Don’t set yourself up for failure,” Wallace said. “Always think about whether you are in the safest place possible.”
In addition to travel and shopping safety, authorities stress the importance of never drinking and driving. Alcohol related crashes tend to rise during the holidays, and one poor decision can have lifelong consequences. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, use a designated driver or call for a ride if they plan to drink.
LSP said the goal this Christmas season is to make sure everyone gets home safely!
https://www.kalb.com/2025/12/22/louisiana-state-police-urges-holiday-safety/