Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Sheriff Greg Champagne of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking a stand against drunk driving by actively participating in the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The initiative, coordinated and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC), is set to run from February 2 through February 13, 2024, coinciding with the Mardi Gras season.

Louisiana continues to grapple with the serious consequences of drinking and driving, as it remains a leading cause of vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. According to NHTSA statistics, approximately one-third of fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States involve drivers with Blood Alcohol Concentrations (BACs) at or above .08. Shockingly, in 2021, drunk-driving crashes claimed the lives of 13,384 individuals.

Sheriff Champagne emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “By joining this statewide effort, we hope to make the streets of St. Charles Parish safer for everyone.” As part of the campaign, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office will deploy additional officers on the roads, intensifying efforts to combat drunk driving.

As the Mardi Gras festivities approach, Sheriff Champagne encourages residents to plan ahead. “If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving,” he emphasized. The proactive measures aim to ensure the safety of the community during the celebratory season.

For more information and resources on safe driving practices, residents can contact the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office at (985) 783-1280 or visit their office located at 260 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway, Luling, LA 70070.