INDIANAPOLIS — Through Aug. 30th, IMPD will be increasing patrols and conducting sobriety checkpoints to keep our roads safe. Partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, IMPD officers will increase patrols and set up sobriety checkpoints as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national enforcement campaign, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In 2024, nearly 14% of all traffic fatalities in Indiana involved alcohol, while more than 35% of all traffic fatalities involved drug impairment, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Approximately 37 people die each day due to drunk driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Over 900 people are injured daily in alcohol-related crashes. In Indiana, a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) of 0.08% is considered intoxicated. Generally, that is 4-5 average drinks for a man, and 3-4 drinks for a woman.
Young adults aged 21-24 have the highest rate of drunk driving fatalities, accounting for a significant percentage of alcohol-related crashes. Men are disproportionately involved in drunk driving fatalities, comprising approximately 80% of such deaths.
If you are caught drunk driving, the consequences can be severe. For a first offense, you could be in jail up to a year, and fines up to $5,000. Your license could be suspended up to a year. Judges may also impose other penalties like community service, or order an installation of an ignition interlock device on your car.
Drivers are encouraged to make transportation plans before consuming alcohol. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver, or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver to get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If you see a suspected drunk driver, pull off the road and contact local law enforcement.
