CPSO Announces Weekend Seatbelt Checkpoint in Calcasieu Parish
Lake Charles, LA [KNGT-FM]- If you plan on traveling around Calcasieu Parish this weekend, you may want to allow yourself a little extra time and make sure everyone inside your vehicle is buckled up. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office has announced plans to conduct a seatbelt checkpoint somewhere within the parish as part of a statewide traffic safety initiative.
The checkpoint is connected to the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which began May 11 and continues through May 31. The effort is a partnership with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and focuses on encouraging drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts every time they get on the road.
Officials have not released the exact location of the checkpoint, which is standard practice for these types of enforcement operations. Deputies will reportedly be monitoring motorists for seatbelt compliance, but drivers should also remember that checkpoints often lead to the discovery of other violations.
Kayla Vincent with the CPSO advised,
In conjunction with this campaign, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will conduct a seatbelt checkpoint at an undisclosed location in the parish on Saturday, May 30. “Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most important steps that could save your life in a crash.”
While the announced purpose of the checkpoint is seatbelt enforcement, authorities may also be watching for signs of distracted or impaired driving during the operation.
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With summer activities, graduations, festivals, and weekend gatherings picking up around Southwest Louisiana, officials are urging residents to make smart decisions before heading out.
If alcohol is involved in your plans, authorities recommend arranging a designated driver ahead of time, using a ride-share service, or calling a taxi instead of getting behind the wheel impaired.
The message from local law enforcement this weekend is simple: buckle up, drive responsibly, and make safety a priority every time you hit the road in Lake Charles and throughout Calcasieu Parish.