The Winnfield Police Department was awarded a grant by the LHSC that resulted in 100 hours of overtime hours for officers to provide saturated patrols for enforcement of traffic laws and seat belt violations. The “Click It Or Ticket” campaign, sponsored and funded by the National Highway Safety Administration and administered by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission started May 20 and ended at midnight on June 2.  During this time period, the total number of violations cited was 218, of which 199 were seat belt violations.  

This grant has also provided monies to participate in next national campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” centered around the Labor Day weekend.  This is a High-Visibility Traffic Safety Enforcement program that begins August 16 and runs through September 3.  

Alcohol is a substance that reduces the function of the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination. All these abilities are essential to operating a vehicle safely.

As alcohol levels rise in a person’s system, the negative effects on the central nervous system increase. Alcohol is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine. Then it passes into the bloodstream where it accumulates until it is metabolized by the liver. A person’s alcohol level is measured by the weight of the alcohol in a certain volume of blood. This is called Blood Alcohol Concentration, or BAC. At a BAC of .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL) of blood, crash risk increases exponentially. Because of this risk, it’s illegal in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, except in Utah where the BAC limit is .05. 

However, even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability. In 2023, there were 2,117 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC of .01 to .07 g/dL.

If suspected of Driving Under the Influence, an officer will administer a roadside Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) to test for impairment. BAC is measured with a breathalyzer, a device that measures the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath, or by a blood test. Refusing a breathalyzer test results in suspension of your driver’s license for 2 years.  You can refuse a blood test, but a warrant will be applied for with a judge to obtain your blood sample.

Officers are also trained to determine if a person is impaired by substances, whether prescribed, over-the-counter, or illegal. Usually an Advanced Roadside Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) will administer additional tests to the SFST to determine drug use and category of that drug.  A blood sample will be obtained for crime lab submission.

Under Project #2025-35-58, -The Winnfield Police Department has been awarded $5000 for overtime hours and will participate in saturated patrols from August 16th to September 2 with an emphasis on Labor Day weekend.

BEING A RESPONSIBLE DRIVER IS SIMPLE: IF YOU ARE DRINKING, DO NOT DRIVE.

1. Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.

2. If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.

3. If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend.

4. If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

5. Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.  “See Something, Say Something.”