Local Traffic Group Taking Part In Statewide Safety Effort In March
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Staff Report-
Kosciusko County Traffic Safety Partnership announced Thursday that it will join efforts with over 250 state and local law enforcement agencies to increase education and enforcement around dangerous and impaired driving. From March 3 to 26, officers across the state will conduct high-visibility patrols specifically designated to identify and intercept those driving aggressively and under the influence, according to a news release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. “As a state known for basketball hysteria, March is a time of celebration and fun here in Indiana,” said KCSD Sgt. Chad Hill. “Throw in St. Patrick’s Day as well, and it’s critical we drive home the message that the only way to celebrate is responsibly. For this reason, our officers will be working day and night all across the state looking out for our fellow Hoosiers, because if we do see you driving dangerously or impaired, we will pull you over.” Increased enforcement during March is a statewide effort supported by federal funding allocated to Kosciusko County Traffic Safety Partnership from the Traffic Safety Division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Seven different Kosciusko law enforcement agencies, and numerous officers, will work overtime to conduct observational patrols and sobriety checkpoints around the clock. According to the institute, in March 2016 there were 495 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana, resulting in 231 injuries and 11 fatalities. Additionally, during the same period, crash reports indicate 1,128 collisions occurred due to dangerous driving, resulting in 260 injuries and two fatalities. Dangerous driving includes factors such as speeding too fast for weather conditions, driver distracted and driver asleep or fatigued. “Protecting all those traveling Indiana’s roadways is an action we do not take lightly,” said Warsaw Police Department Capt. Kip Shuter. “With various celebratory events taking place during the month of March, it’s important we remind all drivers and passengers the responsibility of staying safe on the road, lies at their feet. I want to thank our hard-working and dedicated officers who will be out in full patrol working to ensure this message is front and center in the mind of all those behind the wheel. The key to safe travel is simple: Buckle up and drive sober.”
