It’s the holiday visitor you don’t want to hear from—a trooper at your front door making a death notification for a family member.  Unfortunately, dozens of families in Louisiana may receive just such a visit this holiday season, and troopers are asking drivers to be mindful of the risks of holiday travel.  The fewer homes visited the better.

Historically, the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on Louisiana roads due in part to increases in traffic volume as well as an increase in impaired driving.  Last year in the month of December, there were 67 fatal crashes statewide.  Of those, almost half involved a driver impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

Troopers encourage drivers to plan ahead if they intend on consuming alcohol, by using designated drivers or making other travel arrangements.  For those who make poor decisions by driving after drinking, the likelihood of apprehension and arrest will be increased.  

Troopers and local law enforcement partners will be extremely vigilant and aggressive in pursuit of dangerous drivers.

“Paramount’s Christmas LaserSpectacular” celebrates the holidays like Baton Rouge has never seen or heard before.  “Your family and friends will marvel at the Christmas Laser and Light Spectacular! More than 100,000 lights and laser beams will dance to the inspiring music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra,” Steve Monistere, vice president of IMS Entertainment, said.

A special touring stage attraction, the laser shows continue daily until Friday Dec. 23 at Belle Baton Rouge and Casino, 103 France Street.  Shows are at 5 p.m.,  6:30 p.m.and 8 p.m. While enjoying the light show, be sure to take part in the Santa’s Wonderland Workshop activities. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, have a delicious sugar cookie and lemonade, and watch it snow.

Don't miss the holiday tradition performance of Beausoleil at 7:30 p.m. December 29 at The Manship Theartre

Grammy Award-winners and 11 nominations plus multiple wins and nominations for OffBeat Magazine's Best of the Beat Awards and one of the most frequent guests on National Public Radio's legendary program, A Prairie Home Companion, this cajun band knows still knows how to put on a show after 30+ years. BeauSoleil's success has led to some major gigs including the Super Bowl XXX Halftime Show, a Bravo television special, "Dancing to New Orleans" and regular appearances at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival where they received one of their Grammy's for Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album: Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (2009).