I can’t believe it’s already Thanksgiving week! Did you know that Thanksgiving weekend has the highest number of travelers on the road? Thanksgiving is later this year than usual, so you can expect your holiday season to be crammed into four short weeks of traveling, family, parties, decorating and gift shopping. In addition to the potential stress you might feel around this time of year, it is also important to remember that because of the travel volume and the amount of partying that will happen, it is important to stay safe on the road and around town. Here are some tips on how you can stay safe in Louisiana this Thanksgiving weekend.
Travel Safely This Week
If you’re planning to stay home in New Orleans, visiting friends and family in throughout Louisiana or heading out of state, it is important to be a defensive driver this week. Traffic will seem heavy as people will start to visit their families and friends by car or even plane. Before getting on the road this week, make sure to check with you local mechanic for a tune-up.
While on the road, heed the speed limit and be mindful of conditions on the road such as ice, construction, and other drivers (who are probably not paying as much attention as you are). Speeding may not only result in a hefty traffic ticket, but may also end with injury and death for your loved ones. I can’t stress enough that if you plan to travel on the Causeway (or any other bridge, for that matter), pay attention to the road and do not speed. You do not want to be the next person driving off the Causeway and into Lake Pontchartrain. This is an extremely sad situation that has happened twice already in the past month.
If you do happen to find yourself with a traffic violation around Thanksgiving, you should consider calling a skilled traffic ticket attorney in Louisiana. Not all tickets are created equal and it is possible to get a speeding ticket reduced from a moving violation to a non-moving violation, or even dismissed.
And, if you’re involved in a car wreck this holiday season, please do not hesitate to call one of our dedicated personal injury lawyers who can assist you through this holiday season and help you get the recovery you deserve for your damages.
Drinking and Driving Under the Influence
Getting behind the wheel after a few drinks is always illegal, no matter whether its after catching a few drinks with old friends who are in town for the holidays or a after a holiday dinner with grandma. It is illegal to drive under the influence when your BAC is .08 or higher (and .02 for people under 21). Any sign of swerving, forgetting to use a turning signal, failure to stop at a stop sign, or other moving or non-moving violation, can get you pulled over and possibly tested for driving under the influence. As a licensed driver in Louisiana, you have already consented to a breathalyzer examination and therefore, you could find yourself behind bars. In the case that you are arrested for DUI, you should call a trustworthy New Orleans DUI Lawyer who will help ensure that you can move on with your life, while handling your case and fighting your fight in court.
Visiting New Orleans for Thanksgiving
If you’re visiting New Orleans this Thanksgiving, bienvenue! We are excited to have you and think that the holiday season is one of the most magical times of year to be in the Big Easy. While visiting New Orleans, remember that we do have a number of laws you should remember while you are here. We encourage you to have fun with your family and friends, but you should also:
- Drink responsibly! If you are 21 years old or older, then it is not only legal for you to drink alcohol, but you can drink alcohol in the streets of New Orleans. But, do not drink any alcohol out of a glass bottle anywhere in the city. You can violate the Open Container law by doing so.
- Be courteous to law enforcement! You may see more law enforcement in New Orleans than in some other cities or your small town. This is for your safety. If a member of law enforcement, or security at a local establishment, asks something of you, please respectfully adhere to their requests. Failure to do so may land you in jail.
- Be respectful of others! Our city is open to visitors from all over. It may get crowded at times, and you may meet people from a different background than you. Be respectful. Keep your hands to yourself and contact law enforcement if you see or hear anything suspicious.
- Be alert! New Orleans is a great city to visit, but it is important to know where you are walking or driving. Stay on well-lit streets. Do not flash any expensive jewelry around. Have a buddy system. Do not follow a stranger somewhere you don’t know. These seem like common sense instructions, but just remember them while you are in town and especially if you visit the French Quarter.
Call (504) 264-9492 for a Free Initial Consultation if You Are Arrested
Thanksgiving starts one of the most wonderful times of the year! Don’t let a personal mistake that led to an arrest ruin the rest of your holiday season. Call a skilled and trustworthy criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans to help you navigate the court system, work hard to fight for your rights and ensure you can spend time with your family and friends with little stress. Crescent City Law is available nights and weekends, as well as off-site, by phone at (504) 264-9492 or e-mail here.
