Southeastern Police Department to participate in safety campaign

 

Thursday, December 12, 2019 
by: Tonya Lowentritt 


     HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University Police Officers will work with other local law enforcement partners to find and remove impaired drivers from the roadways in and around campus in an effort to help keep students safe.
     The partnership is part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign and will be conducted Dec. 13 through New Year’s Day. Motorists will see an increased law enforcement presence on the roads throughout Hammond and Tangipahoa Parish. Officers will also be watching for dangerous behaviors such as speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and unrestrained occupants.
     “Whether a driver is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, the consequences are the same,” said Southeastern Police Lieutenant Patrick Gipson. “According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, driver impairment continues to be a leading factor in fatal crashes across the state.”
     Motorists are urged to plan ahead when choosing to engage in behaviors involving alcoholic beverages, beware of prescription medicine side effects, follow all traffic laws, and contact law enforcement if they observe other motorists operating in an unsafe manner – especially those who appear to be operating under the influence.
     “Everyone should designate a sober driver, always ensure all occupants are properly restrained, and exercise patience while driving,” Gipson added.
     Southeastern students and employees can access real-time information about road conditions, construction activities and other critical incidents by dialing 511. Travelers can also access this information by visiting the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) 511 Traveler Information System Website at www.511la.org.
     The University Police Department’s participation in this campaign is funded in part via a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
     For more information on the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, visit LHSC at www.lahighwaysafety.org.




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