The Indiana State Police is joining efforts with over 250 Indiana state and local law enforcement agencies to increase education and enforcement around dangerous and impaired driving. From March 3 through March 26, 2017, officers across the state will conduct high-visibility patrols specifically designated to identify and intercept those driving aggressively and under the influence.
“Indiana is known for basketball and basketball fans that celebrate the month of March with great hysteria. We also want Indiana to be known as a state where fans celebrate responsibly,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. “March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will be occasions for parties and celebrations. Troopers will be patrolling all across Indiana to protect our fellow Hoosiers and remove those from the road that fail to heed the warnings and are found to be driving dangerously or operating while intoxicated.”
Increased enforcement during March is a statewide effort supported by federal funding allocated to the state police from the Traffic Safety Division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Troopers will work overtime to conduct observational patrols and sobriety checkpoints around the clock.
According to ICJI, in March 2016 there were 495 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana, resulting in 231 injuries and 11 fatalities. Additionally, during the same period, crash reports indicate 1,128 collisions occurred due to dangerous driving, resulting in 260 injuries and two fatalities. Dangerous driving includes factors such as speed too fast for weather conditions, distracted driving, and fatigued driving.
Crashes resulting from dangerous and impaired driving are preventable. The Indiana State Police and ICJI would like to remind motorists safe driving is as simple as following these easy steps:
- Before the celebration begins, plan a safe way home
- Do not drive impaired
- If you do drink, use a taxi, public transportation, ridesharing service or designate a sober friend or family member, and give them your keys
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911
- If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help make arrangements to get them home safely
To learn more about the Indiana State Police, please visit: www.in.gov\isp.
