The enforcement effort will include saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints throughout the entire state, and state police superintendent Doug Carter said police will have a “strong and visible presence” aimed at deterring dangerous driving.
During the same February 28 through March 23 time period in 2013, there were a total of 388 crashes on Hoosier roadways where alcohol and/or illegal drugs were considered a contributing circumstance in the crash. Of those, 114 involved injury with 158 persons injured and four crashes involved fatalities killing four.
Superintendent Carter recommends these easy steps for a safe March and St. Patrick’s Day: plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home; if you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation; if available, use your community’s sober ride program; if you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local police; and if you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take the keys and help them make safe travel arrangements.
