Indiana State Police reminds drivers: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 4:29 PM

Starting August 16 through September 2, the Indiana State Police will join with officers across the state.

Drive sober or get pulled over.

That’s the warning the Indiana State Police are issuing drivers as they gear up for the annual end-of-summer impaired driving enforcement campaign. Starting August 16 through September 2, the Indiana State Police will join with officers across the state to increase patrols and sobriety checkpoints to crack down on those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

“Driving drunk or drug-impaired is a problem for everyone,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “Making the choice to operate a vehicle while impaired is never the right option.”

Alcohol-impaired driving continues to contribute to many deaths in Indiana. In 2023, around 20% of all traffic fatalities in Indiana involved alcohol impairment. Drug-impaired driving is another major contributor to deadly crashes. In 2023, nearly a quarter of all traffic fatalities involved drug impairment.

“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Lieutenant TJ Zeiser.

Drivers should be safe during this Labor Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. Even if you only have one drink, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.

More from Local News

Jail Bookings – Nov. 21, 2024

The following person was recently booked at the Fulton County Jail:
Ku Klux Klan flyers scattered across Indiana communities

Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan members have publicly claimed responsibility for flyers being distributed across the state of Indiana, including Rochester. The flyers were in support of a mass deportation that would allegedly be taking place Jan. 20, 2025, stating immigrants are to “leave now” to “avoid deportation,” and encouraged locals to monitor and report foreigners.
Logansport man shot in foot in hunting accident
Culver town water is safe, lead content below state safety standards
Jail Bookings – Nov. 20, 2024

The following people were recently booked at the Fulton County Jail:
Low-interest loans available for Fulton County small businesses

'Don't miss out on this great opportunity to grow your business'
Family sponsors sought for Miracle Tree program

The Rochester tree is located at Shepherd’s Chevrolet, and Tippecanoe Valley trees are set up at Bell Memorial Public Library in Mentone and Akron Carnegie Public Library in Akron.
Pedestrian struck, killed in Peru

Beverly Bowen, 80, of Peru, was pronounced dead Monday after being struck by a vehicle driven by James Sturgill, 53, of Wabash.