KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko County Traffic Safety Partnership issued 12 traffic citations and made 12 arrests during a 24-day traffic-enforcement mobilization. About 230 police agencies increased patrols across Indiana for aggressive and impaired driving.

The overtime traffic enforcement is funded through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“As temperatures rise, so do crashes involving impaired and aggressive driving,” said Craig Allebach, Kosciusko County Traffic Safety Partnership Grant. “If you venture out to watch the NCAA Tournament, ride your motorcycle or take your kids on Spring Break, watch for bikes and pedestrians and make sure your plans include a sober, defensive driver.”

Impaired Driving

In every state, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Motorcycles are about 3 percent of registered vehicles but are dramatically overrepresented in fatal crashes involving alcohol.

Impaired driving also includes prescription and illegal drugs. Over-the-counter medication can cause impairment, especially when combined with alcohol or a second drug. Anyone taking a new or higher dose of a drug should speak with their doctor or avoid driving until they know the effect the medication has.

Crash Statistics

Failing to yield the right of way is one of the top causes of crashes that lead to injuries and deaths. Following too closely and unsafe lane movement violations are also among the top causes of crashes. Other aggressive driving violations include unsafe speed; speed too fast for weather conditions; disregarding a traffic signal or sign; and improper passing, turning or lane usage.

Young male drivers aged 16-34 are more likely to be in a crash involving alcohol or unsafe driving behaviors. Statistics and more information are in the most recent Crash Facts that ICJI publishes with the Indiana University Public Policy Institute at https://trafficsafety.iupui.edu.