Indiana State Police Increasing Patrols during Thanksgiving Travel

Local Sources- Indiana State Police will be joining law enforcement agencies from across the state to make sure everyone gets to their holiday destination safely.

“This holiday season, we expect to see a lot of traffic on the roads. Please make smart decisions by not mixing drinking and driving,” said Devon McDonald, Executive Director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Be proactive and plan for a sober driver.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired driving and fatal crashes spike during the Thanksgiving holiday. In 2021, 190 people throughout the nation died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the holiday travel period ranging from the day before thanksgiving to the Monday following Thanksgiving. 

NHTSA data shows there are more motor vehicle traffic crash fatalities during holiday periods due to increased travel time, more alcohol usage, and excessive driving speed. 

Troopers will be on the roads on high alert for impaired drivers. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead to get home safely by designating a sober driver or by using public transportation or a ride service like Uber or Lyft. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. 

By working together, we can save lives and make sure there are no empty places at the Thanksgiving table this year.  

For more information on impaired driving, please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.