Law Enforcement Begins Heavy-Handed DWI Campaign

Today begins the annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign across the country, with hundreds of law enforcement agencies participating here in Louisiana.

With alcohol being a factor in as many as 40 percent of all fatal vehicular crashes, cops are keen to get out and lock up drunk drivers. Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says drunk driving has become too prevalent on state roads.

"There were more than 27,000 DWIs (issued) in Louisiana in 2012, so we have a long way to go," LeBlanc said.

The campaign that ends Sept. 1 approves more overtime for police to give them the resources needed to saturate roads during one of the peak times of the year for impaired driving. LeBlanc says studies have indicated that this campaign saves lives.

"Research by the national highway safety commission shows that if we do an increased enforcement effort, that it's very effective in saving lives," LeBlanc said.

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 28 people are killed daily because of drunk driving. LeBlanc says that along with the human cost, a DUI can cost an individual thousands of dollars.

"It's there when you add up the fines, court costs, legal fees, increase in insurance rate, and all kinds of other expenses, and possibly even losing your job," LeBlanc said.