Sheriff Craig Webre announced the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will be joining forces with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to combat distracted driving in school zones. This is part of a statewide effort entitled the Back to School Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign. The purpose of the campaign, slated for September 3-6, 2019, is to raise awareness for the ban of handheld cell phone use in school zones through a coordinated statewide effort.

Motorists are expected to be particularly attentive while driving in areas where children are present such as school zones. The use of cell phones is prohibited in school zones where signs are present indicating a “hands-free” zone. This means that use of a cell phone or similar device is prohibited within the school zone unless the device can be used hands-free, such as with a Bluetooth headset.

“I understand as well as anyone how connected we are to our smartphones in 2019, but we must understand the significant dangers caused by using cell phones while driving,” said Sheriff Webre. “The safety of students, faculty and our school crossing guards remains a top priority for our agency. We are happy to participate in this statewide effort to ensure their continued safety.”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Traffic Section already provides regular enforcement of distracted driving in school zones throughout the parish on a regular basis. The public will see an increased presence of deputies in school zones during the enforcement period.