Several local and state law enforcement agencies are taking part in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's national mobilization Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
The program runs from August 16 - September 2.
Police will focus on drunk driving by heavily enforcing current drinking and driving laws. Officers will increase patrols during this time as well.
Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation's roadways.
Local law enforcement agencies that will participate are as follows:
Franklin Police Department
Leonville Police Department
Rayne Police Department
Abbeville Police Department
Leonville Police Chief Joseph Noel said that Labor Day should be a time for family to come together to enjoy the last few days of summer.
"We need commitment from our community members that they'll keep the streets free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday," said Noel.
Chief of Police in Rayne Carroll Stelly said his department will have one extra officer on each shift who be be specifically looking for impaired drivers. Stelly said that while his department looks for impaired drivers all the time, this campaign allows them to put an extra officer on shifts so "he can concentrate solely on alcohol-related and drug-impaired drivers."
NHTSA reminds citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely. NHTSA reminds citizens of the many resources available to get them home safely.
Abbeville Police Chief Spearman would like to remind citizens to buckle their seatbelts at all times and obey all traffic laws to help make our streets safe.
Chief Noel said that drunk driving is not acceptable. He emphasizes how essential it is to plan a sober way to get home before even drinking. Another alternative is to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely.
Noel added how strict his department will be during the campaign.
"During the Labor Day holiday, we will make zero exceptions for drunk driving. There are just no excuses."
For more information on Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, visit their website here. On the side, you can take their pledge committing to not driving drunk.
