Focus on Impaired Driving.
November 16, 2006 by Cpl Edward Koczan

Your chances of seeing more patrol cars making more traffic stops for offenses from seat belt use to speeding and up to drunk driving (Operating While Intoxicated) are very good.

Starting the week of November 12th, through November 25th, South Bend Police officers are participating in a campaign known as Operation Pullover, which allows for patrols, training, and traffic related equipment funding, but most of all allows officers funding for increased patrols.

Part of the campaign this holiday season is focusing especially on drunk driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) national campaign for 2007 is titled "Drunk Driving: Over the limit. Under Arrest". NHTSA wants you to know some important factors:

• Did you know... About 97% of Americans see drinking and driving as a threat to themselves and their families.

  Drunk Driving is a Serious Crime.
• 08 BAC is the law in every State.
• High visibility enforcement works by creating general deterrence.
• Drive at the illegal rate of .08 BAC & you'll be arrested.

The South Bend Police Department is also a part of the St Joseph County Traffic Safety Taskforce, comprised of officers from South Bend, Mishawaka, St Joe County and Walkerton. Increased patrols for traffic safety is a big part of the Task Force's success, with state wide awards having been won by the South Bend Police Department as "Best In State" for traffic safety for year 2006 as part of the Big Cities Patrol grant as recognized by the ICJI, the Governor's Council on Impaired & Dangerous Driving.

Drinking and driving is a serious crime, and one of the most preventable. Don't do it.

Other Links:

http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org
http://www.madd.org
http://www.in.gov/cji/