Focus of Act 9: Impaired Driving Prevention
A new law in Louisiana goes into effect on July 1, under a provision of Act 9, individuals convicted of DWI will be required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for the entire period of their driver’s license suspension. The device prevents a driver from starting a vehicle if it detects any measurable amount of alcohol.
Why is this important for safety advocates and workplace safety leaders to know? In 2021, more than 29% of the motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana were alcohol related. Impairment can impact a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle or perform other work tasks. Substance misuse is an issue in nearly every U.S. workforce, with one in 12 workers dealing with an untreated substance use disorder, according to the National Safety Council. In fact, 9% of people who die at work die from an unintentional overdose.
In Louisiana, cases of DWI climbed 4.64% in 2022, according to the LSU Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety, and there remains a growing public concern over repeat drunk driving incidents. Work to raise awareness of safety risks and keep your team safe. Start with our free training:
- Workplace Impairment Training: Realistic scenarios and practice activities help participants recognize the many types of impairment and gain access to resources to address impairment. Contact us to schedule a session (virtual or in-person): [email protected].
Make use of these free resources to keep an open dialogue with your employees and boost your education and training efforts:
- Louisiana State Legislature App “LA LEGE” – This free app provides up-to-date information on Act 9 and other current Louisiana legislative information. Encourage your employees to stay informed; download from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Offers educational materials on both alcohol- and drug-impaired driving, including the benefits of ignition interlock devices and tips for preventing drunk driving.
By proactively sharing information about Act 9 with everyone on your team, you can play an important role in creating safer roads and keeping your employees and their family members safe.
Memorial Day Tips for Road Safety
Parades, picnics and family gatherings are commonplace on Memorial Day weekend. The unofficial start of summer likely will begin with coworkers, friends and loved ones packing in as much in as possible during the long holiday weekend. Here’s how you can encourage them to pack “safety” in their tote bags, too, as the roads in Louisiana and across the nation will be crowded.
Increased holiday traffic means a higher risk of crashes, and instances of impaired driving tend to spike on weekends and during holiday periods. During the month of May, Louisiana reports an average of 253 alcohol-related injury crashes over the last five years. That’s more than eight injury crashes every day. Can you spare 30 seconds for safety with your team? Share this video to raise awareness of the potential consequences of impaired driving:
Employers can play a pivotal role in promoting traffic safety. Here’s how you can encourage safe driving practices:
- Share educational resources: Provide your team with access to educational materials on impaired driving prevention, such as the video shared above and tips for staying sober behind the wheel.
- Lead by example: Emphasize the importance of responsible driving behaviors by setting a positive example in your own actions and decisions. Remind company executives they are the leaders for their employees and should always practice safe driving, both on and off the job.
- Provide support: Remind your team to make use of designated drivers or call for a ride home. You can have fun at company parties and social gatherings without serving alcohol. Get mocktail recipes.
By prioritizing traffic safety, you show your employees you care about their wellbeing. You are a safety leader. Let’s make this Memorial Day one to remember — for all the right reasons!