March is a month full of celebrating, and police are urging drivers to stay sober.
The NCAA basketball tournament, St. Patrick’s Day, and warmer weather can all lead to more alcohol consumption – and more drunken drivers.
The Evansville Police Department and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office are taking part in the nationwide 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' enforcement campaign.
In two releases, the agencies say sheriff’s deputies, police officers, and state troopers will conduct overtime patrols to prevent dangerous, aggressive, and impaired driving.
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute recorded 433 alcohol-related crashes across the state last March, resulting in five fatalities and more than 200 injuries.
Of those, 65 crashes and one fatality occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend.
Authorities say if you plan to drink, designate a sober driver beforehand.
If you are impaired, use a taxi or ride sharing service or call a sober friend or family member.
And if you witness unsafe driving, call 911 and report the location, description, and direction the vehicle is traveling.
The increased enforcement continues through March 22nd.