Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Police Groups Urge Holiday Safety

Arkansas State Police will join the International Association of Chiefs of Police and 49 other state police and highway patrol agencies as well as Canadian Police agencies in a pre-holiday safety campaign that encourages motorists to be safe and sober drivers.

"National Holdiay Lifesaver Weekend 1996" will begin at 12:01 a.m. Friday, December 20 and run through midnight Sunday, December 22.

"Traffic during the weekend before Christmas is usually very heavy because of shoppers, partygoers, and holiday travelers," Colonel John R. Bailey, Director of the Arkansas State Police, said. "With more people on our roads and interstates, we hope drivers will slow down and be more attentive while behind the wheel."

The safety campaing will focus on the two most frequent causes of fatal crashes, driving under the influence of alchohol or drugs and excessive speed.

"Our troopers will have zero tolerance in enforcing speed and other hazardous traffic violations," Colonel Bailey said. "We also will be reminding drivers to buckle up. By taking the time to make sure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seatbelt and especially that young children are in child safety seats, we can reduce the risk of death or serious injury in an accident."

Bailey said troopers also will be extra midfull of providing roadside assistance to drivers who need help.

State Police also are joining with other members of the traffic safety community in "Lights On For Life," on Friday, December 20. On this day, drivers are asked to turn on their headlights in memory of those who have lost their lives to impaired drivers and as a reminder not to drink and drive.