Avoid being a holiday driving tragedy this year

The Indiana State Police would like to remind motorists to buckle up and drive sober this holiday season.

Last year in Indiana, a total of 253 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related traffic collisions.

In December 2007, a total of 12 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes across the state. During that same month, there were 3,082 collisions on Indiana roadways over the Christmas holiday period (Dec. 21-26) with nine resulting in a fatality.

In an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Indiana roadways during the winter months, the Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is reminding all Hoosiers "buzzed driving is drunk driving."

The word "buzzed" is a common term used among many drivers the ICJI public awareness campaigns are targeting. Buzzed is used to describe a slight state of intoxication, yet regardless of how anyone chooses to define their level of intoxication, 0.08 is the legal limit.

"Don't let your year end in an arrest -- or worse. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver before doing so," advised Neil Moore, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute executive director. "By exercising good judgment behind to wheel, we can undoubtedly reduce the number of lives lost on Indiana roadways this holiday season."

Motorists are encouraged to call 9-1-1 or their local law enforcement agency, if they spot an impaired driver

The Putnamville State Police Post recorded 15 driving while intoxicated arrests during the month of November.

State police officers will be conducting extra patrols to ensure the safe arrival of area motorists to their destinations.