SUPD, SGA, and the SU Human Jukebox kick off a safe driving campaign

The Southern University Police Department along with the Southern University Marching band and Student Government Association launched the “Bayou Classic/Holiday Traffic Enforcement Campaign” on Monday November 17. The campaign’s goal is to promote safe driving in regards to obeying speed limits, the use of seatbelts and refraining from texting while driving. The campaign will end on December 12. SUPD is warning on campus motorists to be aware of the campaign and that there will be an increasing enforcement.
Interim Chief of Police Joycelyn Johnson said that it was an appropriate time to begin the campaign because of the holiday and graduation seasons.
“Students need to be safe. I know this is the time where students will be on the road going home, and to New Orleans for the Bayou Classic.” Johnson went on to say, “ I have seen several crashes due to students not paying attention or texting [while driving.]”
Currently SUPD has issued about 15 tickets due to students violating these laws.
According to Johnson after giving those tickets the students became aware, and are starting to buckle up.
“I hope that it will first get the students aware, but also get the point across,” said Johnson.
To keep students updated on news and information, Johnson has the help of current SGA President Nick Harris, who has and will lead all of the student events. Students will be able to attend scheduled seminars and have the opportunity to take the pledge and ask questions in regards to motorist laws. Johnson wanted to ensure that students were aware of the current increase in seat belt violation tickets.
“The first offense is 25 dollars, the second fifty and the third will be fifty dollars plus court fees,” said Johnson.
When asked how the campaign would make a connection between SUPD and the student body Johnson responded saying, “I was once an SU student, I understand what it’s like to be a student, and an official. I’m hoping that the student will see it as in their campus police are actually involved.”
Junior mass communications major from Houston, Texas Raquel Simms says, “It is important for the student body to participate in this campaign. So many people die from car accidents, and by us being a pedestrian related campus I think it is not good for drivers to speed.”