, cassandra@rustonleader.com
09-01-2006
With many workers experiencing the luxury of a three-day weekend to celebrate Labor Day on Monday, local law enforcement will be hitting the roads and highways looking for drivers under the influence.
Lt. Curtis Hawkins, public information officer with the Ruston Police Department, said the department would be increasing patrols this weekend.
“Each Labor Day weekend, law enforcement officers see an increase in drunk and intoxicated drivers,” he said.
“With this being the last extended weekend of the summer, many people are making plans to celebrate — going to parties and going to the lake, getting together with friends to enjoy the weekend. Unfortunately, many of the partygoers get intoxicated and get behind the wheel.”
Hawkins said that the long weekend would also see increased travel.
“Due to the extended weekend and it being the weekend before Louisiana Tech is back in, there will be an increase in the number of motorists in and around Lincoln Parish,” he said.
“People need to watch their speed and buckle up. The RPD will have extra officers throughout the weekend specifically trying to identify impaired drivers and also actively looking for people violating the speed limit.”
Cpt. Wesley Harris, public information officer with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, said they would also have an increased presence.
“Our emphasis on drunk driving is a 365-day endeavor, but we will be out in force this weekend,” he said.
“So, when planning for celebrating this holiday weekend, make sure those plans include a designated driver. If you are stopped, you will be arrested.”
State police will conduct a drunk-driving crackdown this holiday weekend in West Monroe.
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