State Police increasing patrols to promote safe travels this Thanksgiving

PUTNAMVILLE -- The Thanksgiving holiday period is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Indiana State Police want to remind every motorist planning to travel this holiday period to drive responsibly and ensure every passenger is buckled up properly.

Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday period, more than 2,300 crashes occurred on Indiana roadways, which resulted in 450 injuries and 8 fatalities. Extra patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Troopers will be concentrating their efforts on impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.

Troopers at the Putnamville Post are encouraging all motorists to be responsible and to obey these simple tips:

-- Ensure you are well rested, especially if you have plans to travel a long distance. A fatigued driver is a dangerous driver and often mimics the driving behavior of an impaired driver.

-- Avoid driving distracted. It is illegal to hold your phone while driving.

-- Avoid “hanging out” in the left lane.

-- Always follow other vehicles at a safe distance.

-- Obey all speed limits and use your turn signals.

-- Ensure everyone is buckled up.

-- Don’t drink and drive.

-- If you have plans to consume alcohol, please ensure you have a plan to get you and your family home safely.