STATE WIDE — If you’re thinking about going to a party and driving after you drink, you might want to think again. Indiana State Police have gotten some extra money to keep more troopers on patrol, and they’re using it to catch drunk drivers, speeders and people who drive aggressively.
The special campaign goes through March 21, and is meant to keep the roads safer, according to state police, through St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament.
The extra enforcement is funded through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), said a news release from state police.
“Last year, Indiana saw more traffic fatalities than we’ve seen in over a decade, and it doesn’t appear to be improving,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “So far this year, fatal crashes in Indiana have claimed the lives of 2.5 people every day on average with over 100 lives lost already. It’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to turn this around.”
Last year 941 people died on Indiana’s highways, which is up five percent from 2020, and 16 percent from 2019.
You’re being encouraged to focus on safe driving and strictly following the rules.
Throughout the campaign, the department will be encouraging drivers to focus on safe driving and follow the rules of the road. This means always wearing a seat belt, driving sober, watching for pedestrians, driving distraction-free, and obeying all posted speed limits.
