Louisiana law enforcement to crack down on drunk driving

Jeanne B. Breaux
June 29, 2009
Stocks of Local Interest
July 1, 2009
Jeanne B. Breaux
June 29, 2009
Stocks of Local Interest
July 1, 2009

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana law enforcement officials will be out in large numbers this Fourth of July weekend with an aggressive Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. enforcement and public education program, officials announced today.


“Crash statistics for past Fourth of July holidays tell us that far too many people make the dangerous decision to drink too much alcohol and then endanger the lives of others by driving their trucks or automobiles while inebriated,” said Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Preliminary statistics show that 618 people were injured and eight were killed in crashes during last year’s Fourth of July holiday in Louisiana. Six of the eight deaths were alcohol related. Nationwide, 44 percent of the 200 traffic deaths over the 2007 Fourth of July holiday were alcohol related.


Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Michael Edmonson said troopers will be working overtime hours concentrated on DWI enforcement throughout the three-day weekend.


“Drunk driving is a serious problem in Louisiana, especially during long holidays,” Edmonson said. “Last year, drunk-driving crashes resulted in the death of an estimated 449 people on Louisiana’s roads. DWI enforcement is a top priority for the Louisiana State Police. We will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure the roadways are safe for our citizens. Designate a sober driver. Otherwise, you will go to jail.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) Law Enforcement Division agents will also be out in force over the holiday weekend patrolling state waterways to ensure that boaters obey state boating laws. Agents will concentrate on high-density boat traffic areas, focusing on DWI enforcement and boat safety equipment compliance, as well as safe boat operation. Impaired operators are the leading cause of fatalities and boating crash incidents on Louisiana waters.


“Louisiana’s DWI laws also apply to operators of watercrafts,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, LDWF state boating law administrator. “We want everyone to have an enjoyable experience on our state’s waterways this holiday weekend and strongly encourage everyone to wear a lifejacket while boating.”


Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2007, 41,059 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 12,998 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Louisiana’s holiday campaign-Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.-is part of a nationwide safety effort coordinated by the National Highway Safety Administration. The campaign includes increased enforcement and television advertising that warns drivers against driving while intoxicated. The Commission has awarded grants to Louisiana State Police and many local law agencies across the state to pay for special overtime patrols and checkpoints dedicated to enforcement activities.

The Commission urges motorists to take certain steps that can help make the roads safer this holiday period.

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys.

If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.

If you see a suspected drunk driver, contact your local law enforcement, or Louisiana State Police’s emergency hotline by dialing *LSP (*577).

“Whether you drive a car, pickup, motorcycle or boat-if you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested,” said LeBlanc. “Don’t let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember. Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.”

Louisiana law enforcement to crack down on drunk driving