Louisiana loves Mardi Gras. But Mardi Gras is more than king cake, parades, and the quest to catch the biggest beads. It is also parties, parade route gatherings, krewe tableaus, and drinking (lots and lots of drinking). Mardi Gras can be very fun but can also potentially be dangerous. Smart Start of Louisiana hopes you’ll remember these 3 things this carnival season:

1. CELEBRATING SAFELY IS THE GOAL

Many popular parades celebrate the holiday every year. Although we don’t expect parade-goers to remain sober during these events, we do hope no one will make the choice to get behind the wheel after drinking. Make sure you have a plan on how to get home from the festivities, and make sure this plan doesn’t include drinking and driving. We don’t want a repeat of the two very unfortunate accidents at Endymion parades in recent years. You have worked hard to get your life back on track after getting a DWI, so don’t let a bad choice bring you down the wrong path again. If your blood alcohol content is higher than 0, don't drive.

2. BUSINESSES CLOSE MORE THAN USUAL

During the carnival season, “normal” business hours don’t really exist. Many Louisiana businesses close locations for the whole day due to some holidays (Lundi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday….it’s basically celebration after celebration in the South) and may also close early or open late due to parade routes, drastically increased traffic, and safety concerns for their employees and customers who will be traveling. If you need an installation or service appointment at Smart Start of Louisiana, contact us to find out if your service center will have any closures and to get on the schedule.

3. ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAVEL DELAYS SHOULD BE EXPECTED

Parades mean slower moving traffic in areas surrounding the route. Parades also lead to road closures and sometimes rerouted traffic. If you have an appointment at Smart Start of Louisiana, make sure to plan ahead and allow some extra travel time.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

Mardi Gras season is one of the most exciting times here in Louisiana. Unfortunately, statistics show that it is also one of the most dangerous times for both drivers and pedestrians. MADD reminds us that drunk driving is still the #1 killer on our roads. Don’t be part of the scary DWI statistics. To find out how Smart Start of Louisiana is helping to separate drinking from driving, call us or fill out our contact form.