The Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership, a consortium of law enforcement agencies including the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Carmel Police Department, Cicero Police Department, Fishers Police Department, Noblesville Police Department, Westfield Police Department and Indiana State Police, will increase patrols for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period – running Nov. 13 through Dec. 6. Officers will join more than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies, to conduct high-visibility patrols encouraging drivers and passengers to drive sober and buckle up for safety.
“The Thanksgiving holiday period is an extremely busy travel time in Indiana,” Hamilton County Sheriff Mark Bowen said. “Our focus is on keeping drivers and passengers safe. Increased patrols will allow us to look for intoxicated drivers or those unrestrained and remind them, buckle up and drive sober. If we do see you unbelted or suspect you’ve been drinking, we will pull you over.”
Increased enforcement during the Thanksgiving holiday period is an annual statewide effort supported by federal funding allocated to the Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership from the Traffic Safety Division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Officers from law enforcement agencies across the county will work overtime to conduct sobriety patrols, checkpoints and seat belt patrols around the clock.
According to ICJI, in November 2014, there were 520 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana, resulting in 235 injuries and three fatalities. Additionally, in the same month, crash reports indicate 276 accidents involved a driver or a passenger unrestrained, resulting in 303 injuries and 15 fatalities.
Further, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 8 and 15. For families with young children, it’s important to have a properly installed child safety seat or booster seat for each child. Parents can visit www.childseat.in.gov for a list of locations and a toll-free phone number to speak with experts about the proper installation of child safety seats.
“Keeping our drivers and passengers safe during increased travel times is a priority for us in the State of Indiana,” ICJI director Dave Murtaugh said. “Both driving unimpaired and buckling up saves lives, and we will continue to strengthen our partnerships and efforts to make Indiana roadways the safest in our country.”
To learn more about the Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership visit www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/502/Traffic-Safety.
Submitted information from press release
