DWI checks increase over holiday weekend

• By ASHLEY M. BAILEY
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Jul 3, 2009 - Page: 1B

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Area law enforcement agencies plan to crack down on drunk drivers this July Fourth weekend — on the roadways and waterways.

Since May, 11 people have died in boating accidents across the state, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents have announced plans to heavily patrol area waterways.

“Alcohol and drug impairment is the No. 1 cause of boating fatalities in Louisiana, accounting for 22 percent of the fatalities,” said Lt. Rachel Zechenelly, a spokeswoman for the LDWF’s enforcement division.

Impairment is also the fifth-ranking cause of all boating accidents on state waterways, she said.

Three Baton Rouge men were killed May 16 when two boats collided on False River in Pointe Coupee Parish.

One of the drivers, Jerry Jordon, 53, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.10 — above the legal limit of 0.08 — at the time of the crash. He faces first-offense DWI and reckless operation of a watercraft.

“Stressors such as noise, vibration, dehydration from extreme heat and glare all compound the effects of alcohol,”  Zechenelly said.

A total of 140 DWI citations were issued by wildlife and fisheries agents last year. Louisiana law stipulates that boaters caught operating a watercraft while intoxicated face the same penalties as drunk drivers in motor vehicles, she said.

While keeping an eye out for drunk boaters, agents will also look for improper safety equipment and procedures.

Boat operators should watch out for potential hazards, know navigation rules and travel at safe speeds.

“Operator inattention and speed are also top-five causes of boating incidents in Louisiana,” Zechenelly said.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said his office’s Maritime Response Team will assist Pointe Coupee in patrolling False River.

Gautreaux recommends having one floatation device, such as a life jacket, for every person aboard. Children 12 years old and under are required to wear personal floatation devices at all times.