Authorities on the hunt for unsafe and impaired drivers
Indiana State Police and other police agencies will be on the lookout for unsafe and impaired drivers through the holidays as part of the Safe Family Travel campaign.
According to troopers, the campaign runs through the end of December and focuses on impaired driving, aggressive driving, and seat belt violations. Police will be working overtime to deter unsafe driving and encourage seat belt use. That will include sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols.
The campaign is funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
According to federal statistics, alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, especially during the holiday season. And failure to wear a seat belt is one of the most preventable causes of death on the road.
Indiana law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Children under 8 years old must be properly secured in a child safety seat.
State police are suggesting ways to stay safe including:
- Use a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare service if you plan to drink.
- Always buckle up.
- Follow the speed limit.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions.
If you encounter a dangerous or possibly impaired driver on the road, you are encouraged to call 911.
Graphic courtesy of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration