Impaired driving remains one of America’s deadliest problems. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013, 32,719 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle crashes. That same year, 10,076 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. That means every 52 minutes someone died in a crash involving an impaired driver. In Indiana, in 2014, there were a total of 205,532 crashes, 4,574 involved an alcohol impaired driver, resulting in 101 deaths.
The purpose of enforcement checkpoints is to remove impaired drivers from Indiana roadways before they cause needless pain, suffering, or death to innocent victims.
Reminders so motorists do not find themselves “Over the Limit and Under Arrest”:
•Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before consuming alcohol.
•Don’t drive a vehicle if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Call a taxi or a sober friend. A cab ride is cheaper than a D.U.I. arrest.
•Take care of your friends. Never let a friend drive while impaired. Take their keys.
•If you are hosting a party, always offer non-alcoholic beverages. Make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
•Never provide alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21.
Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911. Give a vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. Never follow an impaired driver.
SOURCE: News release from Indiana State Police
