The Indiana State Police will be increasing patrols this upcoming holiday period.  Motorists are reminded to do their part while traveling during the Fourth of July holiday.  So far this year there have been 36 more people who have lost their lives on Hoosier highways than during than this time last year.

To help ensure the safety of all motorists during this holiday period, Indiana State Police will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) from July 3 through July 8.  Operation C.A.R.E. is a federally funded program and will allow approximately 150 additional troopers to patrol area roadways during this upcoming holiday.  Troopers will be targeting impaired drivers, motorists who speed, follow too closely, make unsafe lane changes, drive aggressively and fail to buckle up or properly restrain their children.

The Indiana State Police encourage all motorists to observe the following safety tips:

• If you’re planning to travel a long distance, make sure you are well rested.  A fatigued driver is a dangerous driver.
• Avoid tailgating.  Remember the two-second rule.
• Obey all speed limits and always use your turn signals.
• Never drink and drive.
• Make sure everyone is buckled up.
• Avoid cell phone usage while driving especially texting and driving

Your Indiana State Police would like everyone to have a safe holiday.  It is important that all users of the roadways remember their responsibilities as safe drivers.  If you observe unsafe, erratic, or aggressive driving, call 911 immediately.  Callers can remain anonymous.