Indiana and Michigan part of six state law enforcement operation cracking down on speeding

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Law enforcement agencies across the Midwest are taking part in a multi-state effort to address the rise in speeding and aggressive driving.

Participating states include Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

The operation's Speed Awareness Day enforcement will take place on Wednesday as a part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Great Lakes, High Stakes initiative.

Indiana has seen a drastic increase in deadly crashes and speeding-relating fatalities since 2020, when 238 people were killed in speed-related incidents on Indiana roads.

Overall traffic deaths rose from 897 in 2020 to 931 in 2021, and early projections from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute show that number may be surpassed in 2022.

"We have a growing crisis on our roadways and driving too fast and aggressively is at the center of it," said Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director Devon McDonald.  "We can and must break this cycle."

Drivers who encounter someone speeding or following too closely should allow them to pass by safely steering out of the way.

Motorists are encouraged to call police if they believe a driver is following or harassing them.