LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- With Thanksgiving just a few days away, more drivers are on the road. With it, an increase in driving-impaired crashes.
This year, a record number of travelers are expected this holiday season, and The Acadiana Planning Commission along with Destination Zero Deaths are warning drivers about the dangers of drug-impaired driving.
Ashley Moran, with the Acadiana Planning Commission, said the peak times for traveling and heavy traffic during Thanksgiving are usually the Wednesday before, and the Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving with people returning home.
"We do see an increase in impaired driving and in particularly impaired driving crashes. Typically, November is our second worst month for this out of the entire year," Moran said.
"We are planning to see a record number of people out there on our planes, on our roadways. so just be prepared if you're traveling at some of these peak times," she continued.
She also says to "be prepared if you're traveling at some of the peak times," and make a plan to have a sober ride home if you are going to be drinking or impaired. Options like Uber, Lyft, or any rideshare partner are recommended to ensure a safer way to travel on the road.
"You know that you're not being out there putting yourself or someone else at risk because that said, we do see a significant increase in fatal and serious injury crashes associated with impaired driving," Moran said.
In addition to an increase in impaired driving from Thanksgiving until New Year, there's also an increase in law enforcement on the roads.
She said there is extra funding to keep people on the roadways safe by having extra officers out looking for impaired drivers.
Moran said there are ways people can still have fun during the holidays without becoming impaired.
There are nonalcoholic beverages like mocktails and athletic brewing which Moran says, "tastes just as good as typical beers."
So if you are driving during the holidays, remember safety comes first and please plan accordingly.
