Lafayette Holiday DWI Arrests [Audio]

Both Lafayette Police and State Police say they're seeing a significant increase in DWI arrests by narcotics.

"We're seeing both illegal and prescribed narcotics," says State Police trooper Stephen Hammons.

When it comes to alcohol, how much is too much?  Corporal Paul Mouton is quick to give the answer.  "That's a  good question and the answer is if you are going to drink don't drive."

Hammons advises even if you have a designated driver don't let your guard down on the road especially at night when the number of impaired drivers escalate.  Hammons says, "look around you and pay attention to other drivers at intersections and if someone is driving fast behind. Look for a way to escape the situation if you need to."

Lafayette police confidently say they're not stopping with their record number of OWI arrests since the expansion of the department's A.T.A.C. program.  Corporal Mouton expects the OWI arrest numbers to increase as Christmas and New Years nears.  He says,"the message is don't drink and drive or we will take you off the roadway to make sure you and everyone else is safe."