Indiana State Police urge road safety for holiday travel

As the holiday season approaches law enforcement will be on patrol working to keep the roads and interstates safe.

Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine said police will watch for motorists who are speeding or appear to be intoxicated.

“We'll be looking for aggressive and reckless drivers and will obviously be focusing on drunk drivers,” he said. “We know that this time of year we see a heightened amount of drunk drivers coming from those gatherings and celebrations and so we will have troopers out 24/7 watching for all those violations and dangerous drivers.”

Perrine said motorists in a hurry to get to their destination sometimes forget one lifesaving tool.

“I have seen numerous times where a seatbelt has saved somebody's life. I have never seen somebody injured or killed because they were wearing their seatbelt,” Perrine said. “I've seen plenty where somebody died, likely because they weren't wearing their seatbelt. Get in the routine, get in the habit of putting your seatbelt on every time you get into a car; it simply could save your life.”

Perrine said motorists should remember it is against the law to have a cell phone in your hand while driving. Depending on which county you are in, a violation could result in a ticket and fine ranging from $150 to $200. Hands free devices are advised.

AAA predicts holiday travel will be just below pre-pandemic levels this year with more than 54 million people traveling more than 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving. Nearly 49 million people are expected to travel by car.