Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will join other local law enforcement agencies in participating in the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign which runs through the Mardi Gras season – February 2-14, 2018. The campaign is coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Additional deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers and help keep motorists safe. There will also be several checkpoints held in conjunction with the campaign.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving is a deadly epidemic that takes the lives of more than 10,000 people each year, on average. In 2016, 268 people were killed as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol in Louisiana alone.

Sheriff Craig Webre reminds citizens to have a plan to get home safely before you decide to drink. Whether you are attending a parade or a party, or drinking at an establishment, NEVER drive if you have had anything to drink containing alcohol. Remember that driving under the influence of illegal narcotics can also lead to a DWI arrest. In fact, some legal medications can impair your ability to drive. Always read warning labels and instructions on prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Sheriff Webre also thanks citizens for their cooperation and patience when passing through these checkpoints and for recognizing the importance of raising awareness for safety issues.