Ripley, Franklin Co. Police Partaking In Holiday Traffic Enforcement Campaign

Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 7:51 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

Don't get a speeding ticket or DUI for Christmas.

(Franklin County, Ind.) - Local police are watching more closely for speeders and drunk drivers during the holidays.

The Franklin and Ripley Counties Traffic Safety Partnership is participating in the nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement blitz.

Officers will be doing extra patrols for on Indiana highways between now and January 1, 2019. They will be focusing on drunk driving, speeding, and seat belt violations.

“Why do we enforce traffic laws? To prevent the crashes, injuries and deaths that hurt our community,” said Franklin County Sheriff Ken Murphy. “Make sure you are there to open your gifts this season by buckling up – every trip, every time – and using a sober driver.”

According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Purdue University Center for Road Safety, an estimated 93 percent of Hoosiers buckle up. However, the small amount of drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts made up more than half of Indiana’s fatal crashes.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading and increasing cause of death for children age 14 and younger.

AAA predicts more than one-third of Americans will hit the road this holiday season. The travel organization anticipates a record-breaking 112.5 million travelers to take to the nation's runways, roads, and rails from this Saturday through New Year's Day.