Louisiana residents planning to take to the roads or waterways during the upcoming Labor Day weekend are being reminded to drive and boat sober as law enforcement agencies prepare to increase impaired-driving patrols across the state.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hosted the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” press conference on Monday, Aug. 24, in the Joe L. Herring Room in Baton Rouge.
LDWF Enforcement Division Col. Stephen Clark joined representatives from several law enforcement agencies to emphasize that impaired operation of vehicles and vessels will not be tolerated. Officials said DUI enforcement patrols will increase during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.
“During Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Louisiana Game Wardens will join our law enforcement partners in maintaining a visible presence statewide,” Clark said. “While our primary responsibility will be on the waterways, we are part of the same coordinated effort to prevent impaired operation and save lives. Through that coordinated effort, we can carry a consistent safety message from Louisiana’s roadways to its waterways.”
Louisiana game wardens will focus much of their enforcement efforts on the state’s waterways, where increased recreational boating is expected during the holiday weekend.
The statewide campaign also involves agencies responsible for highway and local traffic enforcement.
Other speakers at Monday’s press conference included Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Frank Besson, New Orleans Police Department Capt. Anthony Micheu, Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas “TJ” Morse Jr., Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman.
Officials are urging residents to make plans for a sober driver before drinking and reminding boat operators that impaired operation on the water can have serious consequences just as it can on the highway.
The message from participating agencies heading into the holiday weekend is simple: Drive sober. Boat sober. Help keep Louisiana’s roads and waterways safe.