State and local law enforcement officials step up patrols over holidays

by Megan Baldino (mbaldino@wsbt.com)

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By WSBT News1

Story Created: Nov 24, 2008 at 8:28 AM EST

Story Updated: Nov 26, 2008 at 3:37 PM EST

MISHAWAKA — State and local law enforcement officials have a warning for drivers: Obey the law or we'll ticket you this Thanksgiving travel season.

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More than 250 agencies are participating in Operation Safe Family Travel, an effort to prevent needless accidents and fatal injuries on Indiana roads this holiday.

The pull-over enforcement blitz began on November 14, and continues through the 30th.

"What we do is put overtime dollars into the hands of local law enforcement officials to enforce three primary issues: seat belts, impaired driving and speed enforcement," said Neil Moore, the executive director of Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

Moore says with so many families on the highways for Thanksgiving, they want drivers to be extra cautious.

"What we know is if you see a police officer, chances are you will modify your behavior in such a way you'll slow down and pay attention a little bit more closely," said Moore.

Last year ten people were killed on Indiana roads over the Thanksgiving holiday. Of those, two were alcohol related.

"That exacerbates the problems we have with potential loss of life on the highways," said Moore. "If you are going to drink, designate a driver."

Moore also says seat belt use is a big issue.

"The simple act of buckling a seat belt, should a person be involved in a collision, they've increased their chances of survival by 60 percent," said Moore.

Statistics show that stepped-up patrols do make a difference. Moore says so far this year there have been 180 fewer deaths on roads in Indiana.

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