L’Observateur / December 13, 2000

HAHNVILLE – Efforts to cut traffic fatalities and make driving in St. CharlesParish more safe are making headway, according to a study just released by Sheriff Greg C. Champagne.The sheriff’s office has taken an aggressive approach to speeding, unbuckled drivers, signal and stop-sign violators and drunken driving. In addition,tougher enforcement with school zones, the addition of a motorcycle squad and the use of speed-trailers have slowed down speeders.

Champagne said it’s working.

Since 1994 vehicular fatalities have fallen 60 percent, from 10 to only four as of Sept. 30, and reported auto injuries are down 43 percent, from 415 in1994 to 137 so far this year.

During the same period, Champagne continued, DWI arrests are up 44 percent, from 104 in 1995 to 157 through September. Deputies have issuedmore than twice as many traffic tickets, from 4,681 in 1994 to 9,188.

“This is not to suggest that we have more drunk drivers on the road now than we did in 1994,” Champagne added. “Rather, it shows there is notolerance for those who threaten the safety of the highways and communities in St. Charles Parish.”Special task forces and extra patrols in target areas have also had their impact. “We’ve been aggressive with motorists from day one,” the sheriffsaid. “Now, the proof is in the numbers; we know what we’re doing is working.We’re getting more drunken drivers off the roads and getting residents to buckle up, slow down and to obey traffic signals.”The success on the parish’s roads came at a price, though – the loss of STEP grants from the state aimed at paying for increased patrols during the holidays. The grants were incumbent upon a certain level of traffic problems.With the success of the enforcement efforts, St. Charles Parish no longerqualifies for the funding.

However, Champagne concluded, the aggressive traffic enforcement will continue.

“We can’t cut back now,” Champagne added. “Statistically, six more peopleare alive this year because of our efforts. It’s time to save the other four.”

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