Press Releases

Safe and Sober Campaign Grant

Wednesday, October 17, 2001

Sheriff Michael W. Neustrom announces that the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office has received a Safe and Sober Campaign Grant from the LA Highway Safety Commission(LHSC). The grant will provide funds for additional Deputies to patrol during each wave of the campaign in order to increase safety belt usage and decrease impaired drivers. The first wave will include National Buckle-Up America Week November 19-26, 2001. According to LHSC Executive Director James E. Champagne, The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office is participating in this campaign as part of a comprehensive statewide effort involving over 100 law enforcement agencies. Sheriff Neustrom encourages passengers and drivers to “buckle-up” for safety and advises them that additional Deputies will be patrolling and specifically looking for violators of seat belt laws.

Louisiana Law R.S. 32:295 & 32:295:1 states that every driver and front seat passenger “shall have a safety belt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion.” Any child under the age of 13 shall be secured, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction, in an age appropriate passenger restraint system. However, if a child is 3 to 12 years of age, securing the child in a lap belt or safety belt in a rear seat shall be sufficient. Fines for violations range from $50.00 to $100 and confiscation of license and suspension of driving privileges.

Sheriff Michael W. Neustrom and Deputies of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Donna Delahoussaye
Public Information Officer
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
(337) 236-5814 (337) 232-9211