The LSU Police Department was recently recognized by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission for completing the most driving while intoxicated arrests among state university police.
LSUPD officers administered 66 DWIs in 2010 and 22 so far this year, according to Sgt. Kevin Scott, LSUPD spokesman.
Scott said this is the first time LSUPD has won the award.
Scott said LSUPD officer Justin Lanoux was also recognized for completing 24 DWI arrests, the most among university police officers in the state.
Though there was no second place award, LSUPD officer Tyler Comeaux came close with 23 arrests.
Scott said the award shows that LSUPD officers are observant and motivated.
“Though we, LSU Police, have not dedicated officers strictly to DWI enforcement, this recognition shows proactive enforcement,” he said. “Drunken drivers affect all of us, [and are] not acceptable.”
Scott said LSUPD encourages the community to report suspected drunk driving.
Kathy Saichuk, health promotion coordinator for the Student Health Center, said the University is fortunate to have officers monitoring roadways, as many students engage in high-risk behaviors.
Data from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment survey shows “a much higher percentage of students at LSU drink and drive when compared to the national norms,” Saichuk said.
Saichuk said an updated ACHA survey is being administered.
Saichuk said student drinking is prevalent because of the social atmosphere, the availability of alcohol and the belief that “everybody drinks like this.”
She said the 18 to 24-year-old age group also has a sense of invincibility, a lack of knowledge and displays poor judgement.
“It typically takes the equivalent of one drink for females and two drinks for males for impairment to occur,” she said. “This does not take into consideration factors that might contribute to higher or faster blood alcohol concentration levels.”
Saichuk said drinking and driving is costly for students’ health and wallets — DWI tickets range from $3,000 to $7,000.
“The bottom line is the [affect of] alcohol on our ability to make good choices,” she said.
 
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Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected]