Vigo County—One of the Wabash Valley’s premier summer events will occur this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Vigo County Fairgrounds. The Scheid Diesel Extravaganza is well known among diesel truck enthusiasts and is expected to draw a few thousand spectators and hundreds of diesel pickup trucks. The large influx of fans and vehicles can often result in heavy traffic and various traffic related violations and mishaps. The heavy traffic, along with the possibility of law violations and unsafe driving behaviors, can pose a substantial risk to the safety of those attending the event or simply passing by.
To lessen the potential for serious problems and/or injuries along the roadways near the Vigo County Fairgrounds, the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Excise Police, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, West Terre Haute Police, Indiana State University Police, and the Terre Haute Police Department will working vigorously around the clock to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. A large contingent of these officers will be noticeable to area residents and those in attendance.
This event also falls within the federally funded Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign currently underway. State, County, and Local officers will be targeting dangerous and impaired driving, any and all alcohol related violations, including underage drinking, passenger restraint violations, noise violations, passengers riding in the cargo area of the pickups and the “excessive smoke” statute.
The Indiana State Police will have approximately 50 troopers using marked and unmarked patrol cars, as well as patrol pickups and SUVs, to target those individuals wishing to violate the law. There will also be a strong contingent of traffic enforcement from the other listed law enforcement agencies as well. “Voluntary compliance with all traffic and criminal laws is what we prefer in lieu of citations or arrests. So please help us make this a safe and fantastic event for everyone by obeying the law and utilizing common sense”, commented Lieutenant Dan Jones, Commander of the Putnamville District.
Many businesses in the area will close their parking lots after hours to discourage large gatherings of random individuals and the potential for mayhem. Police officers from surrounding local and county agencies will be assisting local police with security at various businesses in and around the fairgrounds area.
Attendees are encouraged to have a good time, but drive safe and sober, and simply obey the law. Area residents who notice a potentially dangerous congregating problem or traffic safety issue are urged to call local law enforcement.
