Mardi Gras is a highlight of the year in Louisiana and many think of New Orleans when they think of Mardi Gras but our little Lake Charles holds the 2nd largest celebration in the state. Unfortunately, it is also a very dangerous time of the year for pedestrians and drives alike. This celebration is the last hurrah before Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), and as such is known for high alcohol consumption. Drunk driving and drunk pedestrians inching closer and closer to moving vehicles trying to catch their share of beads has been known to end badly for more than a few.
NCR legal isn’t suggesting that you not participate, but rather take extra precautions and have a backup plan for transportation on the off chance you over indulge. It may surprise you to know that this is the deadliest holiday in Louisiana surpassing Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas with 1,132 crashes, 244 car wreck related injuries and 18 deaths occurring between Feb. 5th – 9th 2016. You should also be aware that Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has designated February 17-28 as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over — Mardi Gras” campaign and will be conducting extra traffic patrols throughout the holiday.
Regardless of how you are celebrating please use extreme caution and do everyone a favor – avoid drunk driving by planning ahead: designate a driver, keep at least two taxi services on speed dial or call a sober friend or family member. If you plan to drink, remember – Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. And with that, laissez les bons temps rouler!
N. Craig Richardson personal injury attorney in Lake Charles, LA .