COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department will join 250 other law enforcement agencies statewide in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization.
The campaign will run from August 12 to September 5 this year. Police will work overtime hours to conduct extra patrols and check points focused on removing impaired drivers from the road. Statistics from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute say in 2015 there were 4,828 alcohol related crashes that resulted in 92 deaths. The numbers reflect a 26.5 percent decrease in alcohol related crashes and a 9 percent decrease in fatalities. Despite the decrease officials say there is room for improvement.
A driving while intoxicated offense can cost drivers as much as $10,000 in legal fees, fines, increased insurance rates and substance abuse courses.