BATON ROUGE – Louisiana law enforcement agencies are joining forces Dec. 12 – Jan. 1 to combat the high number of drunk-driving-related crashes in the weeks leading up to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
December was one of the deadliest months on Louisiana roadways in 2013, with 55 fatal crashes and 59 persons killed, according to preliminary figures. During the four days comprising the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, at least 11 people were killed and 400 injured in Louisiana highway crashes. Alcohol use was a factor in more than half of the fatalities.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is a state and national campaign aimed at keeping impaired drivers off of the roadways and reducing deadly crashes. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is coordinating the statewide campaign by providing grants to local law enforcement agencies and the Louisiana State Police to fund overtime patrols and checkpoints.
“Getting arrested for DWI – or worse, causing a tragic accident – is not a Christmas memory you would ever want. If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Besides the risk of a crash, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over means there will be a greater police presence and a much higher chance that you’ll get caught,” said Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
“When innocent lives are lost because of an impaired driver, it’s devastating, especially around the holidays. State Troopers, along with our partners in local law enforcement, will work tirelessly throughout the Christmas and New Year’s holidays to keep Louisiana motorists safe. If you plan on drinking this holiday season, please have a plan and make good decisions. ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ is more than a slogan,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police Superintendent.
Last year in Louisiana, police made 21,680 DWI arrests. Alcohol was a factor in 42 percent of Louisiana fatal crashes in 2013, with young males at particular risk. Although it is illegal for anyone under 21 to consume alcohol in Louisiana, the alcohol-related crash rate for 18-to-20-year-old drivers in 2013 was about twice the average of drivers of all groups. The same was true for drivers killed in alcohol-related crashes.
