In a recent article appearing on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website – The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission presented “2010 DWI Enforcement Awards” on March 15 of 2011 to a father and son for their efforts in getting impaired operators of vehicles and vessels off the streets and waterways.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division Senior Agent Randy Lanoux, 47, of Gonzales, received the award for making 47 driving while under the influence (DWI) cases in 2010. His son, Louisiana State University (LSU) Police Patrol Officer Justin Lanoux, 27, of Gonzales, earned the award for issuing 24 DWI citations. They both made the most DWI arrests for their agencies.
Justin said he made most of his cases around the perimeter of the LSU campus and that he has zero tolerance for impaired drivers.
Randy made 44 of his 47 DWI cases in 2010 on the water with most of those coming on the Amite and Blind Rivers. Alcohol is the number one cause of boating crash incidents that lead to fatalities in Louisiana. In 2009, alcohol was ruled the primary cause for six of the 32 fatalities from boating crash incidents.
The LDWF Enforcement Division has stepped up their DWI enforcement efforts in the last decade. LDWF agents issued 216 DWI citations in 2009 and 158 in 2010, compared to 50 in 2002.
Thus, be aware that you can be arrested for DWI for operation of your boat as well as your car. This is an important consideration as the 4th of July holiday approaches as many people in Louisiana head for their favorite lake or waterway to enjoy the long weekend.
If you are one of the unfortunates persons arrested while on the road or waterway, give our Firm a call to help protect your rights and driving privileges. Also, feel free to visit our website to get more information on DWIs.