Gary, IN – As holiday travel ramps up, the Gary Police Department is joining statewide efforts to reduce impaired and aggressive driving through the Safe Family Travel campaign, officials announced this week.
According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), the initiative—supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—will run from November 26 through the end of December. Officers will work overtime conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to deter unsafe driving and promote seat belt use.
“We see the consequences of unsafe driving every day,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the ICJI. “By buckling up, slowing down, and never driving impaired, we can all help make Indiana’s roads safer this season.”
NHTSA reports that alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes during the holidays. Failure to wear a seat belt also continues to be among the most preventable causes of death on the road.
“Driving safely is a shared responsibility,” added Commander Thomas Pawlak of the Gary Police Department. “If you plan to drink, plan a safe ride home. Stay sober behind the wheel or arrange a sober ride before the night begins.”
Motorists are urged to call 911 to report unsafe or impaired drivers. More safety information is available at www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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