La Porte County Sheriff's Office announces increased holiday traffic enforcement

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind.—In anticipation of holiday traffic, the La Porte County Sheriff's Office will increase traffic enforcement through January 1st, 2019.

The sheriff's office announced they will be participating in the nationwide initiative “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” as well as enforcing Indiana speeding and seat belt laws in a press release Wednesday.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute support overtime patrols and equipment purchases to better equip deputies for the holiday season.

Officials want to remind drivers that Indiana police officers may ticket unrestrained drivers or passengers, even if no other traffic violation has taken place in accordance with the primary seat-belt law.

“Why do we enforce traffic laws? To prevent the crashes, injuries and deaths that hurt our community. Make sure you are there to open your gifts this season by buckling up-every trip, every time- and using a sober driver,” said Captain Derek J. Allen of the La Porte County Sheriff's Office.

Law enforcement stress that impaired driving does not only occur as a result of drinking or using illicit drugs, but from taking a new prescription medication as well. Staying in the know of potential medicinal side effects can help keep drivers safe.

Authorities also want to remind the public that driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is illegal and that Indiana drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher could face fines and a license suspension of up to a year.

The sheriff's office recommends the following alternatives to impaired driving:

• Designate, or be, a sober driver.
• Use public transportation.
• Call a cab or a ride-sharing service.
• Celebrate at home or a place where you can stay until sober.
• Offer non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of food when throwing a party.
• Never provide alcohol to minors.
• Ask young drivers about their plans.
• If an impaired friend or family member about to drive, take the keys and make alternate arrangements.