News
Check out the different events that Destination Zero Deaths Regional Coordinators have been participating in across the state. For even more up to date news, please visit us on our social media pages.
Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council
Destination Zero Deaths had the opportunity to present to the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) at the Louisiana State Capitol on July 28th. The Legislative Youth Advisory Council is a group composed entirely of high school students that represent the voices of young people across the state. Our Regional State Coordinators presented to these students in the style of a mock legislative hearing, sharing the importance of the work that we do at Destination Zero Deaths and how these students can be involved in our mission.
Students from the Legislative Youth Advisory Council will be partnering with us as DZD Student Ambassadors who will help spread our message to the youth across our state. We are so excited to be working with these bright and motivated students and can't wait to see what we are able to accomplish together!
Louisiana Youth ATV/UTV Safety Task Force
We are excited to share that Louisiana has officially launched its first ever Youth ATV/UTV Safety Task Force. Following the kickoff event that was held on June 10 at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in Baton Rouge, the task force will be moving forward with education, injury prevention, and community outreach.
In Louisiana, ATV and UTV incidents cause hundreds of injuries and an average of 10 deaths per year, with the majority of these incidents involving children ages 10-14. The mission of the Louisiana Youth ATV/UTV Safety Task Force is to turn these statistics around and to protect young riders across the state.
The launch event included a range of speakers who shared the critical need for this task force from multiple perspectives. Attendees heard a deeply moving story from a family directed impacted by an ATV tragedy, highlighting the emotional toll of these incidents. Statistics regarding ATV/UTV injuries and fatalities across the state demonstrated the growing need for change. Leadership from participating agencies outlined the mission and goals of the task force, as well as the next steps.
The launching of the Louisiana Youth ATV/UTV Safety Task Force would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of LSU Ag Center, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, Louisiana Emergency Response Network, and CRM Safety Initiative. Thank you for your commitment to protecting Louisiana's children and making ATV and UTV use safer for our youth!
LADSC Conference
Destination Zero Deaths had a wonderful time presenting at the Louisiana Association of Drug and Specialty Courts (LADSC) Conference in Baton Rouge in April.
The presentation began with a skit highlighting the potential dangers of drivers who should not be behind the wheel for various reasons. Our presenters included several of our Regional Coordinators, the Strategic Highway Safety Plan Manager, Miss Louisiana Port City, as well as our Impaired Driving Statewide Leaders who each shared valuable information and their insights with guests at the conference.
We look forward to returning to the Louisiana Association of Drug and Specialty Courts Conference in the future!
