Officials Warn Fourth Of July Holiday Could Be Unusually Dangerous For Driving

A lot of motorists are expected to take to the road this holiday weekend, and law enforcement officials have some advise for drivers. Take extra safety precautions.
The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up patrols Beginning Thursday, and through the holiday weekend. They'll be keeping an eye out for aggressive drivers and other safety violators.
The department issued the following statement Monday.
“Many people take to the streets for this holiday season. Some travel out of the area but Lafayette Parish plays host to many as well and with the increased volume of traffic, motorists will need to exercise more patience.”
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission said planning ahead also means coordinating a designated driver.
The commission reports three people were killed in Louisiana in alcohol-related crashes during last year’s Fourth of July holiday period. Seven people were reportedly killed in Fourth of July crashes in 2011. More than half of those crashes involved alcohol.
The commission has joined Louisiana State Police and more than70 local law enforcement agencies in a campaign aimed to stop impaired drivers.
“High visibility enforcement campaigns are doing much to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and other risky driving behaviors. Vehicle crashes tend to increase during holiday periods when traffic is heavier and drivers participate in parties and other events that include alcohol consumption.”
- Lt. Col. John LeBlanc

Increased traffic, combined with rainy weather could make driving conditions unusuaaly hazardous this weekend. After a little more than a week of dry weather, the National Weather Service is predicting a strong possibility of rian, starting Friday.
NWS meteorologist Joe Rua said,“Right now we are expecting a 50 percent chance of rain Friday and a 60 percent chance Saturday.”