Troopers Conclude Labor Day Weekend and Operation “Safe Corridor” Patrols
10-8 on I-10 (One Road – One Mission)
Throughout the Labor Day weekend, Louisiana State Police in conjunction with numerous local law enforcement agencies participated in Operation “Safe Corridor” in an effort to decrease serious injury and fatal crashes along Interstate 10. The eight states that partnered in this initiative included Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

During Operation “Safe Corridor,” Troopers concentrated efforts on intensified traffic safety enforcement in a comprehensive effort to apprehend those persons engaged in operating vehicles in a variety of unlawful manners to include (but not limited to) impaired driving, speeding, seat belt use including use of child restraints, and Commercial Motor Vehicle violations.

Through selective enforcement details conducted within each troop area located along the I-10 corridor, Louisiana State Police Troopers issued over 1,400 Speeding citations utilizing both ground and air support units.  Louisiana State Troopers also issued nearly 200 Occupant Protection citations, both day and night, and arrested 32 drivers for Driving While Intoxicated. 

Over the four day operation, Louisiana State Troopers investigated nearly 50 motor vehicle crashes on I-10, two of which involved fatalities.  15 crashes involved injuries and seven involved impaired drivers.  State Police also investigated a total of eight fatal crashes statewide on all State Highways and Interstates.

Troopers also seized more than 37 lbs. of Marijuana, 2 oz. of Cocaine, in addition to several units of synthetic Marijuana and prescription narcotics.  

Along with uniformed patrol Troopers, Louisiana State Police also utilized Commercial Motor Vehicle enforcement Troopers.  CMV Troopers were responsible for conducting over 400 inspections which led to over 600 violations.  Of those violations, 52 CMV drivers were placed out of service and taken from behind the wheel and 74 Commercial Motor Vehicles were placed out of service and taken off the roadway.

While Troopers across the state worked throughout the weekend to identify and remove reckless drivers and dangerous road conditions, the holiday weekend ended in eight preventable deaths on our roadways.  Among the injury and fatal crashes investigated, Troopers observed common safety violations including not being properly restrained, driving while impaired, and allowing distractions in the vehicle. Drivers and passengers alike are urged to remember the importance of good choices both while behind the wheel and as occupants.  Far too often the difference between making the right choice can mean the difference between life and death.