Shreveport Police Dept. Checkpoint Results in 161 Citations

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Last week, we told you about the planned safety checkpoint by the Shreveport Police Department. That event resulted in triple-digit citations.

On Friday, April 19, 2024, the Shreveport Police Department held a safety checkpoint from 2 - 8 pm on East Kings Highway. During the six-hour operation, 1,306 vehicles were screened resulting in the issuance of 161 citations to drivers found in violation of occupant protection laws. When you do the math, that means over 12% of the vehicles screened violated occupant protection laws.

The Shreveport Police Department says that the goal of the safety checkpoint was to 'address the critical issue of unrestrained motorists, whose disregard significantly increases the risk of fatalities and severe injuries in the event of a crash.' So, for those who think these safety checkpoints are a cash grab, you're wrong.

The Shreveport Police Department knows that seatbelts save lives. We've heard it for years and it's true. NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, says that wearing your seatbelt in the front passenger seat can limit your chances of a moderate to fatal injury in a wreck by 50% and death by 45%. Many of us drive trucks in Shreveport-Bossier and according to AAA, wearing your seatbelt in a light truck limits your risk of critical injury by 60%. I don't know about you, but I like to hedge my bets, and wearing a seatbelt is a no-brainer.

Citizens are always encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers or other safety issues on the road. The Shreveport Police Department can be reached by calling (318) 673-7300 or 911 in an emergency.

Here are some more reminders courtesy of the Shreveport Police Department:

• Buckling up keeps you safe and secure inside of your vehicle and prevents ejection which often results in death.
• Airbags alone are not enough to protect you; in fact, the force of an airbag can seriously injure or kill you if you are not buckled up.
• Not using seatbelts properly puts you at risk in a crash.
• Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

Want to be a part of the Shreveport Police Department? You might be just who they're looking for!