Indianapolis
Metropolitan Police, Speedway Police, Beech Grove Police and IUPUI Police
Departments issued 5,629 traffic citations and made 21 arrests during a 24-day
traffic-enforcement mobilization. About 230 police agencies increased patrols
across Indiana for aggressive and impaired driving.
The overtime traffic enforcement is funded through National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice
Institute (ICJI).
“As temperatures rise, so do crashes involving impaired and aggressive
driving,” said Captain Fred Ilnicki. “If you venture out to watch the NCAA
Tournament, ride your motorcycle or take your kids on Spring Break, watch for
bikes and pedestrians and make sure your plans include a sober, defensive
driver.”
Impaired driving
In every state, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of
.08 or higher. Motorcycles are about 3 percent of registered vehicles, but are
dramatically overrepresented in fatal crashes involving alcohol.
Impaired driving also includes prescription and illegal drugs. Over-the-counter
medication can cause impairment, especially when combined with alcohol or a
second drug. Anyone taking a new or higher dose of a drug should speak with
their doctor or avoid driving until they know the effect the medication has.
Crash statistics
Failing to yield the right of way is one of the top causes of crashes that lead
to injuries and deaths. Following too closely and unsafe lane movement
violations are also among the top causes of crashes. Other aggressive driving
violations include unsafe speed; speed too fast for weather conditions;
disregarding a traffic signal or sign; and improper passing, turning, or lane
usage.
