Not only will revelers be out and about for Mardi Gras, but the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is helping fund local law enforcement with Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over to keep impaired drivers off the road. LHSC spokesperson Mark Lambert said officers are trained to spot drivers who are impaired behind the wheel.
“They know all the tricks, they know all the ways that people try to hide the fact that they’ve had too much to drink, or they’ve taken something they shouldn’t have, and if they catch them, they’re going to be arrested,” said Lambert.
In addition to New Year’s Eve and Halloween, Lambert said Mardi Gras is one of the deadliest times to be on the roads due to the number of impaired drivers. From 2016 to 2020 alcohol-related crashes in the state during carnival killed 22 and injured 531 people. And it’s not just alcohol…
“If that prescription drug alters your senses, or slows your reaction time, or makes you sleepy, you are an impaired driver,” said Lambert.
Lambert said Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate but there’s a responsible way to celebrate safely by planning for a sober driver. He said to keep an eye on your friends and step up if needed.
“And you can tell that they’ve had too much to drink, and they try to drive. Do what you can, talk to them, get them a ride, you give them a ride. And you’re really doing yourself a favor, them a favor and everyone else on the road a favor,” said Lambert.
The statewide campaign of Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over runs until March 1st.
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