Sheriff Randy Smith wants to make sure everyone remains safe this Carnival season.
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is joining other local law enforcement agencies in a coordinated effort to reduce impaired driving during the Carnival season by participating in the special Mardi Gras Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
As part of the state-wide campaign, which runs February 10 through February 21 and is funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, extra deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers.
“We want people to know we are out there, not just during Mardi Gras, but every day looking for drivers who are under the influence, and we hope these extra patrols serve as a deterrent to drinking and driving. If you choose to consume alcohol, don’t drive.”
He encourages all drivers to make the right choice to not drink and drive.
“If you know you’re going to be drinking alcohol, have a plan. Get a designated driver, call a cab or arrange for a lift from a ride share company. If you have exhausted all resources and cannot find a way to get home, call the STPSO at (985) 898-2338. We will make sure you get home safely,” Sheriff Smith said. “Our goal is to have zero fatal accidents in our parish during this Carnival season. There is no excuse to be behind the wheel while impaired.”