INDIANA — As the holiday season approaches, law enforcement agencies across Indiana are ramping up efforts to keep roads safe, focusing on impaired driving, aggressive driving, and seat belt use. The “Safe Family Travel” campaign, which runs through the end of the year, is a high-visibility enforcement initiative aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
The campaign is designed to deter reckless driving by increasing patrols and checkpoints, emphasizing preventing alcohol- and drug-impaired driving, addressing aggressive driving, and ensuring that drivers and passengers are properly restrained in their vehicles.
“This is a time of year when families are traveling to visit loved ones, and we want everyone to get to their destination safely,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter. “Impaired driving, aggressive driving, and failure to wear seat belts are all preventable causes of crashes, and this campaign is our effort to keep all road users safe.”
The initiative is funded by grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and administered through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). The additional resources allow local law enforcement agencies to increase patrols and conduct targeted enforcement during peak travel times.
During the holidays, impaired driving is a particular concern, as alcohol and drug use tend to spike at social gatherings. In 2022 alone, Indiana saw a significant number of impaired driving-related fatalities. Law enforcement officials are reminding the public that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and imprisonment.
In addition to impaired driving, the campaign will focus on aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, speeding, and unsafe lane changes, which contribute to accidents and increase the severity of crashes. Officers will also look for seat belt violations, emphasizing the importance of wearing seat belts, regardless of where you sit in the vehicle. Seat belt use remains one of the most effective ways to reduce injuries and fatalities in crashes.
“We all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe,” said Executive Director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director Devon McDonald. “By taking simple steps like designating a sober driver, staying calm behind the wheel, and buckling up, we can reduce the risks and enjoy a safe holiday season.”
Law enforcement will be in full force throughout the campaign, using marked and unmarked patrol vehicles to increase visibility and deter unsafe driving behavior. The goal is to remind Hoosiers that safe driving habits save lives and to encourage everyone to make responsible decisions when traveling this holiday season.
Motorists are encouraged to stay aware of road conditions, obey traffic laws, and report impaired or dangerous driving to local authorities. The Indiana State Police and other law enforcement agencies also urge the public to use the #SafeFamilyTravel hashtag on social media to share their commitment to safe driving during the campaign.
