3 Facts About DWI Laws In Louisiana

During the holiday season, we are all particularly aware of drinking and driving. Between family gatherings, work occasions, fun with friends and entertainment venues, there are plenty of opportunities in and around Baton Rouge to enjoy yourself and have a glass of wine, beer or spiked eggnog. Don’t let your holiday revelry come to an abrupt end with a drunk driving arrest.

A DWI arrest is not something anyone puts on their holiday shopping list.  The following three facts about DWIs and drunk driving arrests in and around Baton Rouge may help you have an arrest-free holiday season or New Year’s Eve.

DUI Facts

DWI Fact #1:

Louisiana is once again at the top of the list for the worst drivers in the U.S.  Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Motorists Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving put Louisiana at the top of the list for the second time within the past five years. A drunk driving arrest was one of five categories used to determine the rating.  This could mean that either there are more drunk drivers on the road, or there are more police officers on patrol looking for drunk drivers.

DWI Fact #2:

When the LSU and Alabama game lets out, 100,000 fans stream out of the stadium in Baton Rouge. Apparently, Baton Rouge law enforcement determined that was a great place to set up a sobriety checkpoint. It was reported that after the last game 15,000 sobriety checks were made and 57 sobriety tests administered. The test results led to 30 DWI arrests.  Be aware that being part of a large crowd does not provide protection from a DWI arrest.

DWI Fact #3:

Did you know that Baton Rouge received a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to pay for additional law enforcement activities? There are more police, or police were granted overtime pay, to go after impaired driving, seatbelt use, speeding, and underage drinking. The money was authorized as of October 10. The date the grant runs out of money was not reported but it seems reasonable that it would lead to more DWI arrests.

If you are one of those who would prefer not to be a DWI statistic this New Year’s Eve, designate a sober driver or call a cab. It could help 2017 get off to a good start.