Just as basketball is stirring up a great deal of activity everywhere this March, more than 250 Indiana law enforcement agencies are planning to launch a major activity of their own.
Beginning Friday, February 28, the La Porte Police Department will deploy a high-visibility crackdown on impaired and dangerous driving known as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. The 24-day effort will continue through March 23 - encompassing a number of March sporting events and the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
“This enforcement effort is about showing a strong and visible police presence aimed at deterring dangerous behaviors and getting drunk drivers off the street,” said Captain Tom Heath. “Similar to New Years, we officers at the La Porte Police Department want Indiana motorists to be fully aware of our increased enforcement so that it will encourage people to designate a sober driver or to make alternate arrangements to get home safely.”
For many Hoosiers, the month of March is synonymous with celebrating Indiana basketball traditions and the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. However, due to the increased rate of alcohol consumption these events inspire, the month of March can also be a very dangerous time on Indiana roadways.
In Indiana last during the period from February 28 through March 23 there were 388 alcohol related crashes in Indiana. Of these crashes, 114 were personal injury crashes that injured 158 people. There were four fatal crashes during this period which killed four people.
“These unfortunate statistics demand a sober solution. Whether you are meeting with friends at the local bar after work, attending/watching a sporting event or participating in any number of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, if you plan on drinking alcohol - don’t drive. Designate a sober driver instead,” said Captain Tom Heath.
In support of this year’s crackdown, officers will employ high-visibility efforts that consist of sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and other methods designed to detect impaired drivers. Please follow the La Porte Police Department and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute on Facebook for traffic safety news and event information.
Captain Tom Heath recommends the following easy steps to have a safe and happy 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 to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local police.
- And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive a car or ride a motorcycle while impaired, take the keys and help that person make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely.