INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute announced that more than 200 law enforcement agencies will be cracking down on dangerous and impaired driving in March, as part of a statewide enforcement campaign. Now until March 21, officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols showing zero tolerance for those driving aggressively, over the speed limit or under the influence.
“We’re seeing an uptick in dangerous driving during the pandemic, and it’s very concerning,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “That’s why we’re pulling out all the stops this March to reverse that trend and encourage safe driving behavior. Preventing loss of life is our top priority.”
On average, drunk-driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives per year in the U.S., according to NHTSA. Although 2020 was a unique year due to the pandemic, preliminary data from the federal safety agency shows that while miles traveled had decreased by about 14.5 percent in the first nine months, overall traffic fatalities increased by 4.6 percent nationwide.
In addition, a separate report released from NHTSA revealed that more road users engaged in risky behaviors in 2020 such as speeding or driving under the influence, and that fewer motorists wore seat belts.
Despite having fewer drivers on the road in Indiana, 2020 was the third highest year for traffic fatalities (850) in the past decade, according to ICJI..
-
Other News This Week
- Fun Stuff Scheduled for Lugar Plaza Downtown
- Indiana Community Action Association Awarded Solar for All Funding
- 100 Years Ago: May 17-23
- Social Media Scam May Infect Computers with Viruses
- Ramp Metering Begins on East Side
- Applause!: May 17-23
- Pacers Bikeshare E-bikes Available Free to Residents
- Come To The Music
- The Greater Irvington Yard Sale
- The Indiana Murals of Thomas Hart Benton
Search Site for Articles