FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – “Drive sober or get pulled over.”
That’s the warning state and local police agencies are issuing to drivers as Indiana gears up for its annual end-of-summer impaired driving enforcement campaign.
Officers across the state will be increasing patrols and sobriety checkpoints to crack down on those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) released the following:
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is partnering with the Indiana State Police (ISP) and local law enforcement across the state to increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national enforcement campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Through the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, officers statewide will work overtime now through September 7, 2026, to identify and stop motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“The goal here is simple: To ensure that Hoosiers are able to make it home safely to their families at the end of the day, night, weekend or Labor Day celebration,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “I want to thank our law enforcement for putting in the hours to keep our citizens safe, and I encourage every Hoosier to remember that we all have a responsibility to look out for one another. If your plan includes drinking, make a plan for a safe ride home.”
As communities across Indiana continue to respond to the recent severe weather and support ongoing disaster relief efforts, law enforcement officers remain committed to protecting Hoosiers on the road during this challenging time.
“Impaired driving continues to be one of the most serious threats on our roadways, and we’re focused on reducing these tragedies through education and enforcement” said ICJI Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger. “This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign reminds everyone that impaired driving is preventable. When you choose a sober ride, you’re helping protect your community and ensuring everyone makes it home safely.”
Preliminary data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that in 2025, nearly 23% of Indiana’s traffic fatalities involved alcohol, and more than 41% involved drug impairment.
In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.
“Drunk driving kills 32 people every day in the U.S., and every single death is preventable,” said ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott. “The Indiana State Police will be working with its law enforcement partners enforcing the law and holding impaired drivers accountable. We urge everyone to be responsible—if you consume alcohol, plan ahead with a rideshare, public transportation, or designated driver.”
To encourage safe travel, Project Plan Ahead, a program of ICJI, is offering $10 off Uber and Lyft rides every weekend through September 27th. Up to 1,000 free credits are available every Friday through Sunday and are valid for rides between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. that begin or end in Indianapolis or Fort Wayne.
To redeem a ride credit, visit IN.ProjectPlanAhead.com and click “Redeem Ride Credits.” Follow the instructions for the selected rideshare service. Tips are not included in the discount, and users are responsible for any charges exceeding $10. A pickup cannot be scheduled in advance. Possession of the code does not guarantee availability. Credits are available while supplies last.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign and Project Plan Ahead are supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
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