News release from the Fort Wayne Police Department:
Increased holiday patrols net citations, arrests
(January 8, 2020) – Overtime patrols conducted by Officers of the Allen County Traffic Safety Partnership during the holiday season resulted in 657 traffic tickets and 19 drunk driving arrests in Allen County The increased enforcement was part of a coordinated effort to keep motorists safe amid one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
As a result of the 24-day mobilization, the department was able to conduct 69 additional patrols.
“With all of the ridesharing services and transportation options available today, there’s no excuse for drinking and getting behind the wheel—it puts you, your passengers and everyone on the road at risk,” said Lt. Tony Maze of the Fort Wayne Police Department. “Don’t let one wrong decision decide your future. Do the right thing: drive sober and buckle up.”
Funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recently-concluded mobilization was part of two larger enforcement campaigns, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It to Live It, targeting impaired and unrestrained drivers.
According to data from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, there were more than 10,500 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in the U.S. last year, with over 80 of those occurring in Indiana. Additionally, 53% of passengers killed in fatal crashes were not wearing seatbelts and 63.5% of speeding related fatalities were unrestrained.
ICJI Traffic Safety Director Robert Duckworth said that by removing impaired drivers from the road and encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up, many lives were likely saved.
“More than 250 police departments participated in this year’s mobilization, with many officers sacrificing holiday plans to keep families safe on the road,” Duckworth said. “I can say with confidence that people are alive today—were able to spend time with their families during the holidays—because of their efforts.”
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