Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 16 November 2006 — Page 11

The Muncie Times • November 16, 2006 • Page 11

Hoosier cops to crack down on impaired drivers around Thanksgiving holiday

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.The Governors Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving and the Traffic Safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) announced

Thursday that a statewide Thanksgiving enforcement crackdown will be in effect, Nov. 11. through 25. The crackdown will be supported through an existing partnership

between the Governors Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving and local and state law enforcement agencies. Participating agencies will place additional officers on the streets to

work overtime to enforce Indiana’s impaired driving and seat belt laws over the Thanksgiving holiday season. “Unfortunately the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year. We plan to leverage the burst of holiday excitement by boosting awareness and compliance as it relates to seat belt usage and driving under the influence. The goal of these enforcement activities is to strongly urge Hoosiers to make smart and safe decisions.” said Mike Cunegin, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. According to reports submitted by local agencies to ICJI in 2005, Indiana had about 700 people killed in highway crashes, resulting from their failure to use safety restraints or involving an impaired driver with an illegal (.08) blood alcohol concentration. “We will be out in force, conducting sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and using undercover officers to get drunk drivers off the road,” said Indiana State Police Supert. Paul Whitesell. “We want everyone to play it safe and always designate a sober driver or find alternate transportation.” This enforcement crackdown will coincide with a statewide media campaign scheduled through Nov. 22. The primary messages pro-

moted in this campaign will be “Click It or Ticket,” and “Drunk Driving. Over The Limit. Under Arrest.” Research has shown that when combined, high visibility enforcement and a strong media message lead to higher seat belt usage rates and a reduction in alcoholrelated crash fatalities. The statewide (radio and television) media campaign will especially target the worst areas in rural southern and northern Indiana, where a higher number of people are killed (respectively) in accidents that drive unrestrained and/or impaired. “Driving irresponsibly is simply not worth the risk. Violators will be spending their money on tickets, bail, court, lawyers and towing fees instead of spending their time with loved ones. So don’t take the chance. Buckle up, don't drink and drive and follow the posted speed limits,” said Ryan Klitzsch, Traffic Safety division director. The Governor’s Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving serves as the public opinion catalyst and the implementing body for statewide action to reduce death and injury on Indiana roadways. The Council provides grant funding, training, coordination and ongoing support to state and local traffic safety advocates.

DENNIS TYLER State Representative

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