Local police will be taking part in an operation cracking down on drunk and impaired driving starting today.
More than 250 Indiana police organizations will be participating including the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department and North Vernon Police Department. The push will run through March 27h and is a statewide effort being supported by federal funds provided through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
According to the institute in March of last year there were 529 alcohol related crashes across Indiana which caused 5 deaths and 214 injuries.
You can expect to see more officers on the road working overtime specifically working to take down drunk or impaired drivers.
The departments provided tips on how to avoid drunk or impaired driving, especially during this period which includes St. Patrick’s Day and basketball tournaments:
- 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