Sheriff’s Office rewarded for DWI enforcement

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office recently received the DWI Enforcement Award issued by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission on March 8, 2010 in Baton Rouge.

At the event, state and federal highway safety officials presented recognition awards to sheriffs’, police officers, State Police Troops and various agencies that have collectively removed more than 7,700 drunk drivers from the state’s roads in 2009.

“Drunk driving is among the top causes of deaths and injuries on Louisiana highways and nationwide,” said Lieutenant Colonel John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. “Every time an officer arrests an intoxicated driver, he or she is potentially saving lives. The St. Charles Parish Sheriffs’ Office has performed above and beyond expectations in making our roads safer for law-abiding citizens.”

The awards are designed to recognize leaders in DWI enforcement efforts and to raise awareness of the problem, according to Sheriff Greg Champagne.

An estimated 451 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in Louisiana in 2008, representing almost half of the state’s total highway fatalities. A study concluded that drunk drivers are at least 13 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than sober drivers. 

“Driving while under the influence is a serious offense and can ultimately claim the lives of innocent drivers or pedestrians. We will continue to do our part to educate our residents to refrain from such behavior and arrest those who violate our DWI laws,” said Champagne.