State and local law enforcement officials step up patrols over holidays

by Megan Baldino (mbaldino@wsbt.com)

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Police officer writing a ticket

(WSBT file photo)

By WSBT News1

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

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.

Tuesday, Nov 25 at 9:27 AM Mike wrote ...

Proud SBPD, Most posters here don't want to believe that many criminals are removed from the streets while working the grant patrols. All they want to do is criticize the police for the way they do their jobs. Of course all that stands out is their ignorance to what really goes on.

Tuesday, Nov 25 at 7:10 AM Proud SBPD wrote ...

G, SBPD does NOT pay double time on Sunday. And for those whining about this, a SBPD officer working this last week arrested someone for attempted murder and caught two armed robbers BECAUSE he was working the grant. Had he not been working the grant he would have been home with his family.

Monday, Nov 24 at 9:17 PM G wrote ...

Notice Enforcement week! I bet the ydon't on Thanksgiving / Christmas / New Years / Or even on a SUNDAY. Each deparment has to pay DOUBLE TIME and thye won't do that.....When was the last time you saw a lot of extra enforce ment on a SUNDAY. NEVER!! SPeeds see you on MAIN St!!!

Monday, Nov 24 at 7:12 PM Becka wrote ...

I am a woman and drive defensively and every time I leave a safe amount of space in front ofmy vehicle some male moron flies in front of me. Now if I should happen to not be able to stop without hitting him who do you think gets the rap for a rear end collision? Me!

Monday, Nov 24 at 6:05 PM Ursula Sanieers wrote ...

I am so glad I am gona be protected by officials who care to love people in danger of being struck by semis that go berserk on the road. Every time we go out there are those who are ready to cut you off. Do not blink and eye to see your troubles that beseech thee. Be careful for the elderly are there too. Their tiny arms are trying to steer in the right place before skidding over and hittin your behind. Control yourself. I heard you yell at the top to your lungs and did not stop. Smile please..

Monday, Nov 24 at 5:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

ill bet if they dug up the statistics for normal non holidays of poeple going to work every day they are alot higher!Oh thats right the only time they want to enforce is on a holiday!they could generate a hell of alot more money if they would enforce EVERY DAY!Because thats when all the maniacs are going like a bat ot of hell to get to work on time!

Monday, Nov 24 at 5:13 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Seeing how so many people are out of work right now I would think that most people would just stay home unless their out looking for a job. I learned something early in life that some might want to know, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Monday, Nov 24 at 5:11 PM Peggy Cors wrote ...

If you are impaired please dont drive because there are a lot o people blaming drunks and druggies for causing accidents. It is important that you go to the ophtalmologist to get your eyes checked for good vision specially during snow storms that well be having next week. Also those who are diabetic make sure your insuline is at hand to inject anywhere because if you get an insuline attack you will cause accidents and children may be involved in it. We all want to be safe. Coronary arteries clog

Monday, Nov 24 at 4:22 PM Greg wrote ...

Park a squad car every few miles with a mannequin inside. And then go fight crime...

Monday, Nov 24 at 4:18 PM Jeff wrote ...

I wish they'd also write tickets for these people who drive with snow on their brake lights,back windows,front widows etc....Thats a no brainer as far as easy money goes for writting a ticket. Plus it would cut down on possible accidents!

Monday, Nov 24 at 4:16 PM Mike wrote ...

Continued.......And your right, police do have better things to do than baby-sit grown adult's driving habits. But since there are so many drivers who think they can drive however they want, this is what happens. The bottom line is stop blaming everyone else for your irresponsibility and MAN UP! If you get a ticket, then all you can say is, "well my own stupidity just cost me money". Don't act like a little kid and blame others, it's your own fault. Everyone knows a ticket = money.

Monday, Nov 24 at 4:06 PM Mike wrote ...

It's very simple. Police don't take your money, they enforce the laws. All fees are set by your elected officials. You need to think this way. If you speed and get caught, you are subject to a ticket, so it's you that gamble with your money, not the police. If you commit a traffic offense then it's your own fault and you just cost yourself money. So stop being a baby and take responsibility for your own actions, stop blaming the police for your violations.

Monday, Nov 24 at 3:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

steppin it up? what do they do when they are not steppin it up in this crime riden area. man do the job everyday..steppin it up indeed.

Monday, Nov 24 at 2:55 PM oh my wrote ...

For crying out loud Mike, the whole point is to SAVE LIVES. I think losing a loved one would seem far worse to you than losing your job. Maybe not? Just put your seatbelt on and call it a day ok!

Monday, Nov 24 at 2:46 PM steve wrote ...

we need more donut shops for the cops to hang out.

Monday, Nov 24 at 2:23 PM jeff wrote ...

go out and find people breaking into houses steeling people purses do a real job taking what little money people have for going 10 miles over the limit is not right you see these cops going much faster then us when off duty so we should be able to give them a ticket to get back some of our money we pay them to write us a ticket

Monday, Nov 24 at 2:16 PM to 10:33 AM wrote ...

I don't know about that. Usually when someone's riding my bumper, it's a man. Not that I have a problem with it. I've been driven so long I've had quite a few people plow into me from behind. Sometimes it comes as a surprise but I usually see them coming.

Monday, Nov 24 at 1:51 PM Mike wrote ...

People are losing jobs and families are hurting and the holidays are on us. What do the police want to do? They want to take what little people have left. Why doesn't this suprise me??

Monday, Nov 24 at 11:44 AM Cornfusion wrote ...

Thanks 10:33 AM, they'll be leaving me alone for awhile now.

Monday, Nov 24 at 11:37 AM Mitchell wrote ...

We have to put overtime money into law enforcements hands to do their jobs?

Monday, Nov 24 at 11:33 AM Hate to say it, I agree wrote ...

I hate to sound sexist but in my experience I have to agree. Women tailgate a lot and giving room is such a simple act to avoid an accident. Also, buckle up for God's sake (everyone). It's so simple and after time becomes second nature.

Monday, Nov 24 at 11:25 AM Anonymous wrote ...

go get em boyz, out that training to good use!!!

Monday, Nov 24 at 11:21 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I also agree there should be more focus on the red light runners, vs someone going 5 or 10 mph over the speed limit, except in a school zone. I can't count the number of times I have seen a policeman watch a car go through a red light and do nothing about it.

Monday, Nov 24 at 11:05 AM Mary wrote ...

Yes and get off your cell phones. This is a big problem around here. They wait till the roads are icy and then they decide to pull in front of you making it difficult to slow down.

Monday, Nov 24 at 11:05 AM Maureen wrote ...

Why is this news? Every holiday - be it Memorial Day, Labor Day, Christmas, etc. the police step up patrols it's nothing new.

Monday, Nov 24 at 10:33 AM Anonymous wrote ...

They should focus on the Indiana red light runners along with not using a turn signal, driving in the wrong lane, pulling out in front of people, and the women that ride right on your bumper (tailgating). Yes I know there are some men that do it but, it is mainly women and especially young women.

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