Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over Campaign Begins Today

A statewide campaign begins today that seeks to reduce drunk driving this Fourth of July weekend.

Jessica Bedwell with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will include multiple enforcement efforts aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the road. She says this risky behavior can result in more than just a DWI.

“Buzzed driving is drunk driving. So driving after consuming any amount of alcohol can lead to disastrous consequences, and we all have to do our part to prevent these tragedies,” Bedwell said.

Bedwell says they also ask people to eliminate distractions while behind the wheel and focus on driving safely. She says they want everyone to enjoy the weekend, but they ask that they have a plan to get home safely before the party begins.

“We ask that they designate a sober driver or use public transportation, and if you see a drunk driver on the road, please contact police,” Bedwell said.

Bedwell says they are expecting increased traffic on the roads this weekend. She says there are usually more cases of drunk driving when the holiday falls on a day that gives people a long weekend.

“During the 2014 extended Fourth of July weekend, we had 112 people injured and 8 people killed in vehicle crashes involving alcohol,” Bedwell said.