The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office is taking part in a state and federal anti-drunk driving campaign as the holiday season comes to a close.

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a campaign created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is supported by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. As part of that support, the state commission grants funds to local law enforcement agencies to help them conduct sobriety checkpoints throughout the year. 

Tonight, as part of that program, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., IPSO officers will have checkpoints established in the parish to conduct field sobriety tests.

“It is part of the one of several times a year that we set up sobriety checkpoints,” said Lt. Robert Moore, who is acting Public Information Officer while Maj. Wendall Raborn is on vacation. 

In a prepared statement early this week, Raborn said the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign also includes increased patrols, funded by a LHSC grant, from Dec. 13 through Jan. 1. 

“Deputies are working extra patrols looking for individuals who may be operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Raborn’s statement read. “During this festive season drivers should not use the holiday as an excuse to drink and drive. Be responsible, be safe.”   

In 2016, according to the LHSC, alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in crashes that killed 334 people in Louisiana, accounting for more than 40 percent of all roadside fatalities. 

Other statewide enforcement waves in the new year will coincide with Mardi Gras, from Feb. 2 to 14; Independence Day, from June 29 to July 5, and Labor Day, from Aug. 17 to Sept. 3.