FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – As Hoosiers prepare for holiday celebrations, law enforcement agencies across Indiana are partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to keep roads safe and prevent traffic fatalities as part of the annual Safe Family Travel campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The ICJI released the following:
Running from November 26 through the end of December, the campaign focuses on impaired driving, aggressive driving, and seat belt violations. During this time, officers will work overtime conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to deter unsafe driving and encourage seat belt use.
“We see the consequences of unsafe driving every day,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “By buckling up, slowing down, and never driving impaired, we can all help make Indiana’s roads safer this season.”
According to NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, especially during the holiday season. Likewise, failure to wear a seat belt continues to be one of the most preventable causes of death on the road.
Tips for staying safe this holiday season:
Never drive impaired. Use a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare service if you plan to drink.
Always buckle up. Indiana law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Children under 8 years old must be properly secured in a child safety seat.
Follow the speed limit. Speeding reduces your ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of crashes.
Stay alert and avoid distractions. Put the phone down and focus on the road.
Motorists are encouraged to call 911 to report unsafe or impaired drivers. For more safety tips, click here
The Indiana Department of Transportation put out the following:
AAA predicts at least 73 million travelers hitting the road this year for the Thanksgiving holiday, nearly 2 million of those from Indiana. As Hoosiers embark on holiday travels, INDOT urges drivers to travel safely and plan ahead, as increased traffic is expected across the state starting Tuesday afternoon.
“Motorists should be aware of increased traffic and potential delays early this week,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “We encourage drivers to leave early, practice patience, and allow extra travel time throughout the holiday season. We want everyone to make it to their destination safely.”
Beginning at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26, INDOT will lift existing road closures and restrictions on state highways, U.S. routes and interstates where it is safe to do so. Longer-term closures for ongoing construction projects will remain in place.
Visit 511in.org or download the TrafficWise app on your mobile device to see current closures and restrictions, view traffic cameras, and plan your route. INDOT construction and maintenance activities will resume Monday morning, Dec. 1.
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