Extra patrols in Michiana aim to curb impaired driving as holiday travel picks up

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — Indiana State Police say they will be adding extra patrol in the next few weeks to make sure roads are safe for drivers during the holidays.

WSBT spoke with Sgt. Ted Bohner from the Indiana State Police.

Bohner says it only takes one wrong judgment to create an outcome drivers cannot take back.

“Keep yourself safe and your family safe just by being an alert driver and watching for those signs of somebody that may be under the influence and calling those in as soon as you can,” says Bohner.

As drivers across the Michiana area will be hitting the roads for holiday travel, Indiana State Police, will be doubling up patrols efforts through New Years to watch for impaired drivers.

Indiana State Police say they look for impaired drivers just like everyday citizens.

“Look for somebody that may be swerving in and out of their lane. Either somebody that’s running a red light because after you’re under the influence that processing speedier brain slows down so they don’t stop for a red light or when it turns green, they’re sitting there and they’re not moving,” says Bohner.

According to the Indiana Environmental Reporter in 2023, there were a reported 149 alcohol-impaired fatalities in the state.

This year, Indiana is already on track to pass that number with a staggering number of 146 alcohol-impaired fatalities.

Sgt. Bohner wants to remind drivers one wrong judgment can have major repercussions.

“You know some people will like well, you know if I have a drink or two in me I that makes me a better driver, but that’s actually the first sign of that impairment with that loss of judgment where you think you may be better at things Like that and it just goes downhill from there”.

Sgt. Bohner says it’s a team effort to keep the road safe for drivers during this time of year.

“I think just every time you get behind the wheel focus on driving being as safe as can be report those that may not be safe because it’s all of our responsibilities to make the road as safe as possible”.

If you do encounter a suspected impaired driver on the road, call 911 and give a vehicle and license description from a safe distance away.

Sgt. Bohner says it’s never a good idea to pursue the suspected driver.