Law enforcement in the state will be participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign this Fourth of July weekend.

As you know, it is highly illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. It seems like there's an uptick in incidents, especially around holidays. People are having cookouts and get-togethers while drinking a few too many adult beverages. Rather than finding a safe ride home, they think that they are okay to drive. However, that is never the case. This is why Indiana law enforcement agencies will be cracking down on impaired driving beginning this Independence Day weekend.

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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!

The agencies in Indiana will take part in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization to educate motorists about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. From June 30 until July 8, officers will be increasing patrols with the primary goal of preventing tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday.

For those who didn't already know, impaired driving includes more than just alcohol.  Drugs and even some over-the-counter medications can also cause impairment and can slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times on the road. That is why officers will be on the lookout for all forms of impairment during this campaign. The consequences can include thousands of dollars in legal fees, increased insurance rates, loss of license, a criminal record, and possible jail time. So, is it really worth putting yourself and others in harm's way because you decided to drive while impaired? I think not.

According to a press release from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute:

"Impaired driving is a serious problem that claims the lives of thousands of people each year in our state and nation. While increased enforcement efforts can help to reduce impaired driving, we cannot simply arrest our way out of this problem,” said Devon McDonald, Executive Director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “We need to work together to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and encourage people to make smart choices when they drink. If you are going to drink, please designate a sober driver or call a taxi. It is not worth risking your life or the lives of others."

Locally, an Evansville nonprofit organization with a mission to end drunk driving, Logan's Promise, will be offering free safe rides home this Fourth of July weekend. You can learn more about how to take advantage of that by clicking here. Also, here in the Evansville/Owensboro area, Gerling Law will help pay for your sober ride home. You can find out all about that by clicking here.

Please, be smart out there. If you have been drinking or have done any other illegal substances, don't drive. It's not worth the possible outcomes for you or other drivers.

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