HAHNVILLE – The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office received the DWI Enforcement Award from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission at a ceremony on March 8 in Baton Rouge, Sheriff Greg Champagne announced Wednesday.

The event included presentation of recognition awards to sheriffs, police officers, State Police Troops and various agencies that have collectively removed more than 7,700 drunk drivers from Louisiana roads in 2009.

“Drunk driving is among the top causes of deaths and injuries on Louisiana highways and nationwide,” said Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. “Every time an officer arrests an intoxicated driver, he or she is potentially saving lives. The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office has performed above and beyond expectations in making our roads safer for law-abiding citizens.”

The awards were presented by Georgia Chakiris, regional administrator of the National Highway Safety Administration, and Lt. Doug Cain of Louisiana State Police at the luncheon ceremony. The awards are designed to recognize leaders in DWI enforcement efforts and to raise awareness of the problem, according to Champagne.

An estimated 451 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Louisiana in 2008, representing almost half of the state’s total highway fatalities. A study concluded that drunk drivers are at least 13 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than sober drivers.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission works year round to support enforcement and education programs related to DWI and other risky driving behaviors.

The award program started in 2008 was developed with the support and cooperation of the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Judicial Association and the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association.

“Driving while under the influence is a serious offense and can ultimately claim the lives of innocent drivers or pedestrians,” Champagne said. “We will continue to do our part to educate our residents to refrain from such behavior and arrest those who violate our DWI laws.”