The holidays are a time for family and friends to gather, celebrate and enjoy one another's company. This holiday weekend, many Louisiana residents will pack their families into their motor vehicles and travel throughout Louisiana to relatives' homes. With the increased number of cars and trucks on the road, the likelihood of being involved in a motor vehicle accident also increases and drivers should remain vigilant and cautious.

During 2011, Louisiana State Police reported a total of 399 crashes throughout the state. Of these, 269 people were injured and required medical attention and 10 fatalities occurred. Police report that most of the accidents that resulted in an injury were due to speeding, drunk driving or drivers of passengers not wearing a seatbelt.

In an effort to reduce the number of accidents this Easter weekend, state and local police will be out in full force, paying special attention to drivers that appear to be driving while impaired as well as drivers, passengers or children that are not properly restrained.

Drivers planning to take to Louisiana's highways this weekend are encouraged to be extra alert and minimize distractions. If driving a long distance, drivers should also make frequent stops and ensure they pull over if feeling tired.

Unfortunately sometimes, regardless of the safety measures a driver takes, accidents happen. If involved in an accident, drivers should pull their vehicle over as far as possible to the right-hand shoulder of the road and remain in their vehicle until police arrive.

Source: KATC3, "269 people injured and 10 deaths last year during Easter holiday travel," Tonya LaCoste, Apr. 5, 2012