INDIANA — As families take to the roads this holiday season, law enforcement is reminding drivers extra patrols will be cracking down on impaired driving and seat belt violations to increase safety on the state’s streets and highways. Area law enforcement agencies are working in tandem on saturation patrols and OWI checkpoints.
In November 2013, there were 490 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana resulting in 224 injuries and 13 fatalities. A total of 735 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence and 9,504 seat belt citations were issued to drivers and passengers who were not properly restrained. 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 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.