‘Domino Effect’ targets Lafourche’s underage drinking problem

Underage drinking is on the rise in Lafourche Parish. But District Attorney Cam Morvant II is fighting back with his annual “Domino Effect Program.”

Targeted at high school seniors, the program takes on the hazards of underage drinking and operating a vehicle while under the influence.

Now in its third year, the program was born out of a partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The guest speaker each year is a parent or family member whose loved one was killed by a drunk driver. The theme of this year’s program is “Choices and Consequences.”

“Mrs. Evelyn Bruce, a member of MADD, will come in and talk with the students about the importance of not driving while under the influence,” Morvant said. “We all make choices and sometimes the consequences can be good and sometimes they can be bad. We are trying to get a message across to the students.”

Morvant also provides a legal look at the ramifications for choosing to drive under the influence. Louisiana’s laws can be quite harsh for offenders, he said.

“It may not be that they are in a wreck. The consequences could mean the loss of their driving privileges. Their parents’ insurance could possibly go up,” Morvant explained.

The “Domino Effect Program” will be presented at E.D. White Catholic High School at 9 a.m. on Feb. 15 and Thibodaux High School at 8 a.m. on Feb. 28.

For more information, contact Morvant’s office at (985) 447-2003.