Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout Louisiana with a variety of parties, parades and other celebrations. While the majority of these events serve alcoholic beverages to partygoers, individuals are strongly encouraged to not drink and drive. One state police troop recently participated in a state-wide campaign that resulted in over 70 people being charged with alleged drunk driving.
State Police Troop C officers took part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over effort. The campaign occurred during Mardi Gras festivities. Officials hoped that awareness of the effort would keep intoxicated drivers off the roads during the holiday time.
The campaign was sponsored by the National Traffic Safety Administration and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Among the parishes covered by Troop C, Terrebonne reported 13 fatalities related to alcohol usage. There were five alcohol-related deaths in Lafourche, according to the Highway Safety Research Group at Louisiana State University.
Experts stress that it is never a wise decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking. This is particularly important at holiday times when more people are on the roads. Law enforcement officials will continue these types of campaigns to stress the potential dangers of impaired driving.
A charge of drunk driving can have a serious impact on someone’s life. If convicted, a person may lose a driver’s license, be required to pay fines or even spend time in jail. A Louisiana criminal defense attorney can work with clients to make sure that any evidence used against them was obtained legally or any traffic stops were conducted properly. The goal of a trusted legal team is to present a strong defense that will minimize any negative effects on an individual’s life.
Source: houmatoday.com, “Police charge over 70 with DWI during Mardi Gras campaign“, Bridget Mire, Feb. 15, 2018
