Mardi Gras 2021 is certainly one we'll remember! Louisiana loves Mardi Gras. But Mardi Gras is more than king cake, parades, and the quest to catch the best beads and throws. It is also parties, parade route gatherings, krewe tableaus, and drinking (lots and lots and lots of drinking). Mardi Gras 2021 is sure to look different than years in the past though. In fact, most parades and large events have been called off due to public health concerns related to Covid. But many people will still find ways to celebrate this holiday, so Smart Start of Louisiana hopes you’ll remember these three things this carnival season when it comes to our ignition interlock device services:

#1. Road closures and travel delays will happen

They will happen. Even small 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 for interlock installation or service at a Smart Start of Louisiana location near Mardi Gras celebrations, make sure to plan ahead and allow some extra travel time. If you're running late, make sure to call the shop to make sure they can still service your interlock device as scheduled.

#2. Business closures should be expected - plan ahead

Louisiana businesses close more than usual during Mardi Gras season. 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). Without many parades happening in 2021, many businesses are still closing for the sake of tradition (aka their holiday schedules were already released to employees before the cancellations were announced). If you need an interlock 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. There's no "canceling" Mardi Gras - nope, nah, nada

We want you to celebrate safely. While big events and parades might be canceled, there's no "canceling" Mardi Gras. It just ain't happenin'. It's a part of our culture. Just 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. 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 zero, do not get behind the wheel. Ask a friend to be a designated driver. Or call a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft. Or walk. Or fly, crawl, or scoot. But don't drink and drive.

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

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. Even innocent parade goers are sometimes victims of poor choices made by drivers. 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 with ignition interlock devices and other breathalyzer products, call us or fill out our contact form.