Drive sober or you'll get pulled over! That's the warning the La Porte County Sheriff's Office is issuing to all motorists as they prepare for the annual anti-drinking campaign at the end of the summer. From today through September 2, officers will increase patrols to crack down on drivers driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The high-visibility measures are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

“Driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs is a problem for everyone,” said James Bryan, ICJI's traffic safety director. “Choosing to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs is never the right decision.”

Drunk driving continues to be responsible for many deaths in Indiana. In 2023, approximately 20% of all traffic fatalities in Indiana were due to alcohol. Driving under the influence of drugs is also a major cause of fatal crashes. In 2023, nearly a quarter of all traffic fatalities were due to drugs.

“We want members of our community to understand that keeping people safe is our top priority, so we ask everyone to please plan ahead if they know they will be drinking alcohol,” said Captain Derek J. Allen. “Help us keep the community safe and put an end to this senseless behavior.”

Drivers should be mindful of their safety during Labor Day by planning ahead if they will drink alcohol. Even if you only have one drink, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. Never drive while impaired, and don't let friends drive if they have been drinking.

For more information about driving under the influence, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.