Indiana State Police Troopers will be conducting a DUI checkpoint in Vigo County sometime during the upcoming weekend of November 19^th thru 21^st. Officers will be observing for impaired drivers.

 To expedite the time involved if you are stopped at the checkpoint, drivers are asked to have their driver’s license and registration ready to present to the officer. If no violations or impairment is detected by the officer, motorists should only be delayed a few minutes.

Impaired driving remains one of America’s deadliest problems.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, 37,261 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle crashes.  That same year, 11,773 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.  That means every 45 minutes someone died in a crash involving an impaired driver.  In Indiana, in 2007, there were a total of 205,005 crashes, 9,942 of them were alcohol related.

To help to ensure your weekend is safe and enjoyable, observe the following tips: 

• Plan ahead and always use a designated driver.
• Don’t get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you’ve been consuming alcoholic beverages; call a taxi, a family member, or friend who has not been drinking to give you a ride.
• If you are hosting a party, always offer alcohol-free beverages and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver or allow them to spend the night.
• Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.  Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think that they are about to drive while impaired.

To report an impaired driver, contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911. Reports can be made anonymously.

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