DWI And Seatbelt Compliance Checkpoint Scheduled For Friday Night In Calcasieu Parish

Louisiana State Police, along with Deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office, continue their crackdown against impaired driving this weekend.

Friday, October 26, between 9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., officers will be conducting an DWI and Seatbelt Compliance Checkpoint in an undisclosed location within Calcasieu Parish.

Sgt. James Anderson with Louisiana State Police say they will "remove impaired drivers from the road" and "ticket vehicle occupants who are not properly restrained."

Anderson says last year in our state, 43 percent of fatal crashes were alcohol-related.  Police encourage you, if you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver.

During 2011, Anderson says 65 percent of drivers who died in crashes in our state were not wearing a seatbelt.  "Wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves in the event of a crash," says Anderson.

To report impaired drivers, drivers are encouraged to dial *LSP (*577) from their cellular phone or to contact their local law enforcement agency.