August 21, 2020  |  09:24 am

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is joining other local law enforcement agencies in a coordinated effort to reduce impaired driving fatalities during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

As part of the state-wide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which runs August 21 through September 7, additional deputies will be assigned to saturated patrol efforts to target impaired drivers.

The campaign, which is coordinated and funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, will also include DWI checkpoints.

“We want people to know that we are out there, not just during holiday weekends, but every day looking for drivers that are under the influence, and we hope these checkpoints serve as a deterrent to drinking and driving. If you choose to consume alcohol, don’t drive,” Sheriff Randy Smith said.

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.

“Our attitudes and actions have to change when it comes to driving while impaired,” Sheriff Smith said. “If you choose to drink and drive—and it is a choice—you risk not only your own life but the lives of innocent people in our community.” 

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