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February 9, 1996
Mardi Gras season should be fun and safe, too
Mardi Gras season in Louisiana means many things to many people, from childhood memories of the excitement of Carnival to competition for beads, doubloons and cups.
Unfortunately, warns Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway, to many people Mardi Gras presents an irresistible opportunity to drink and drive. "The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office will continue its diligent enforcement of DWI laws, as well as Louisiana's seat belt law," the parish's chief law enforcement officer said. "There are many things families can do to help assure a safe, enjoyable and entertaining outing for Mardi Gras parades."
A fun Mardi Gras often depends on planning -- where to catch the parade, where the bathrooms are and whether to bring along food or not are just three of the considerations. Important as those items may be, however, many times families fail to plan ahead to make sure they actually make it to and from the parades safely.
Sheriff Hathaway recommends these tips to help make the 1996 Shreveport Mardi Gras season safe and fun:
Always Buckle Up -- Beginning with the trip to the parade -- and on every trip, short or long -- make sure that everyone in the care is buckled up. Safety belts are your best defense against drunk drivers. Let's face it, during Mardi Gras, there's a good chance someone on the road with you may be driving after having had too much to drink.
Designate a driver -- Parade traffic often requires patience and sharp wits. A non-drinking designated driver can literally keep the "life" -- and your life -- in the party.
Drink non-alcoholic beverages -- There is enough entertainment in the air at Mardi Gras, so why not stick to non-alcoholic drinks.
Establish a meeting place -- As soon as you choose where you will stand for the parade and before anyone in your group goes anywhere, identify a nearby landmark as a meeting place -- a building, street corner or other easily found location. If anyone gets separated from your group, they should go immediately to the meeting place and stay there.
Stay with the crowd -- When walking or driving, unfamiliar streets can sometimes be dangerous. It is always best to stay with the crowd.