Louisiana DOTD Urges Motorists to Drive Safely During Christmas and New Year Holidays
Monday, December 22, 2025 at 8:44:23 AM
BATON ROUGE, LA - As families across Louisiana prepare to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is urging motorists to make safe decisions behind the wheel during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
December is consistently one of Louisiana’s higher months for traffic fatalities, driven by a combination of increased travel, holiday events, and risky behaviors such as impaired driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.
“Holiday celebrations should never end in tragedy,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “I encourage every driver to slow down, buckle up, and never drive impaired. By making smart choices and looking out for one another, we can all arrive safely and enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.”
DOTD Offers the Following Safety Reminders:
- Never drive impaired. Alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications can affect driving ability.
- Buckle up—every seat, every trip. Seat belts remain one of the most effective ways to prevent death in a crash.
- Slow down. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
- Eliminate distractions. Put phones away and keep full attention on the road.
- Plan ahead. Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation if celebrating.
DOTD encourages all motorists to take extra precautions during the Christmas and New Year holidays, especially with extended travel periods expected this year due to the holiday falling closer to the weekend.
“Let’s make safety part of every holiday plan,” Secretary Ledet added. “From my family to yours, I wish all Louisianans a Merry Christmas and a safe, Happy New Year.”
For more information on highway safety initiatives, visit www.dotd.la.gov or www.destinationzerodeaths.com.
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