LAWRENCE CO. – With the busy Thanksgiving travel season just around the corner, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is preparing to ramp up patrols for its annual Safe Family Travel campaign. The campaign aims to reduce impaired and aggressive driving while encouraging safe driving practices.
The campaign, which begins November 16 and runs through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, will focus on enforcing laws related to impaired driving, aggressive driving, and seat belt use. Officers will be working overtime conducting high-visibility saturation patrols designed to deter dangerous behaviors and promote road safety.
The heightened enforcement is funded through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) via the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). The campaign comes as part of a broader national effort to curb alcohol-impaired driving, which has been linked to an increase in crashes, particularly on Thanksgiving Eve. According to NHTSA, the night before Thanksgiving is often a peak time for alcohol-related incidents as people celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
Sheriff Greg Day stressed the importance of planning for a safe trip home, especially for those who plan to drink. “If you will be drinking during your holiday celebrations, please make sure you have a plan for a safe way home,” said Sheriff Day. “Designate a sober driver ahead of time to avoid any worries or risk of getting behind the wheel while impaired.”
In addition to avoiding impaired driving, officials remind all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, avoid distractions, and follow posted speed limits. Even short trips to visit family and friends can become dangerous if drivers aren’t careful, according to Jim Bryan, Traffic Safety Director for ICJI.
“Whether you’re traveling across the country or just around the corner, wearing your seat belt is essential,” Sheriff Day said. “This Thanksgiving, and every day, make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up before hitting the road.”
Motorists are also encouraged to stay alert for any signs of unsafe driving, such as erratic or aggressive behavior, and to call 911 to report impaired drivers to authorities.
“Safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Sheriff Day added. “By working together, we can ensure that this Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, not tragedy.”
As families across Lawrence County and beyond prepare to travel for the holiday, officials urge everyone to plan ahead, drive responsibly, and make safety a top priority. The Safe Family Travel campaign reminds us that a bit of preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all.
