Several local law enforcement agencies have announced they will be participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, beginning today, Friday, August 15 and running through Labor Day, September 1. The initiative, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, allows local law enforcement agencies to deploy extra officers on the roadways to identify and removed impaired drivers.
Participating agencies include Berwick, Franklin, Morgan City and Patterson Police Departments as well as the Assumption and St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Offices. Officers and deputies will conduct saturation patrols at various hours, both day and night, to help ensure the safety of all motorists, especially as we approach the busy Labor Day weekend and the 90th Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival.
DWI checkpoints will also be setup at undisclosed locations within the Berwick town limits at some point during the campaign. Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. and Assistant Chief Jonathan “J.P.” Henry said motorists can be charged with DWI not only for alcohol impairment, but also for drug impairment, adding, “With the increase in marijuana dispensaries in our area, we are seeing more drivers operating vehicles while high.”
Franklin Police Department said the campaign’s focus is to raise awareness of the dangers of driving impaired, by the use of intoxicating beverages and illegal substances. Officers with the Franklin Police Department will also be strictly enforcing sobriety laws and other traffic violations, while Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reminded motorists not to drink and drive and to keep our community safe.
The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking motorists to designate a driver if planning to consuming alcoholic beverages.
KQKI News Correspondent spoke with St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell and Public Information Officer Lt. Detective David Spencer on Friday, who discussed the campaign as well as the newly released SMPSO app.