In Louisiana, operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or other impairing substances remains a major cause of vehicle crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. In 2020, more than 40 percent of the motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana were alcohol-related. These alcohol-related crashes resulted in 332 fatalities.

The 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗟𝗛𝗦𝗖) supports the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻'𝘀 "𝘋𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘗𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳" campaign to combat impaired driving. NHTSA data show that 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2020 that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. Among those fatalities, 67% were in crashes in which at least one driver had a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2018 to 2020, and one person was killed in an alcohol-impaired driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020.

Sheriff Jerry Turlich reminds everyone to plan ahead and never drive after consuming alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. Instead, designate a sober driver or plan for an alternate method of transportation (Uber/taxi service) to make sure you get home safely. Even one drink can begin to impair your driving ability. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911 ☎️.