Drivers in Shreveport might start slowing down after more than 100 traffic tickets were issued in a three-hour period on Wednesday. Shreveport police officers, in conjunction with Louisiana state troopers, are cracking down on speeding on Interstate 49.

“We are looking for dangerous drivers and speeders,” said Doug Pierrelee, public information officer for the Louisiana State Police. “We are looking for crash-causing drivers.”

Nearly 40 law enforcement officers were scattered throughout the 200-mile interstate. About 15 officers were concentrated in a two-mile stretch on I-49, just south of Interstate 20, the site of many reckless-driving complaints. The experiment was an attempt to combat reckless driving between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., when many drivers are hastily heading to work.

The heavily patrolled two-mile stretch on I-49 has an abundance of crashes every year, Pierrelee said. Because of a federal code, officials say they are unable to disclose the exact number of accidents. Ron Webb, a councilman in Shreveport, said this has been a major issue in the city. “When I see people around the neighborhood they ask what are you going to do about all the speeders?”

Webb says he cautions his wife to be careful on the interstate because there are often drivers going 70 or 80 miles per hour. The speed limit is 60.

Pierrelee says, this is his department’s attempt to be proactive, and address the daily barrage of complaints. He says they are, overall, concerned about safety.

“I don’t like writing tickets,” he said. “But it’s easier than working a crash.”

Those driving at least 15 miles over the speed limit were fined a minimum fine of $150. The violators have 60 days to pay their fine and have the option to appeal the penalty through the district attorney’s office.

“I know it’s going to work,” Pierrelee said. “Tickets work.”

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