Louisiana Traffic to Increase During the Holidays

With Thanksgiving only a few days away and Christmas and New Year’s about a month away, state highway officials are urging area residents to use caution while traveling during the holidays.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lt. Col. John LeBlanc says many families are expected to enjoy the four-day break from work or school during the Thanksgiving holiday.

LeBlanc said tells The News-Star 11 people were killed and 651 were injured in crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday in Louisiana.

LeBlanc says more than 80 percent of drivers killed on Louisiana roads last year died as a result of crashes that involved alcohol, aggressive driving or lack of seat belt use.