Holiday travelers will see a stepped-up police presence on Indiana’s roadways. More than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies will conduct high-visibility patrols, encouraging motorists to drive sober and wear their seatbelts.
The annual statewide increased enforcement effort is sponsored by federal funding from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. It allows officers to work overtime to conduct sobriety and seatbelt patrols and checkpoints.
Last November in Indiana, 533 alcohol-related crashes resulted in 220 injuries and seven fatalities, according to the ICJI. Data indicates 285 accidents involved an unrestrained driver or passenger, resulting in 302 injuries and 16 fatalities.
Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 8 and 15. Families with young children need to have a properly installed booster seat for each child. Visit www.childseat.in.gov for more information and resources.
