No Drunk Drivers Arrested During Jefferson Co. Drive Sober Campaign

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 10,000 people die every year on average in drunk driving crashes in the U.S.

(Madison, Ind.) - The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office today announced the results of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization, which began in mid-August and lasted through Labor Day. During the 25-day enforcement period, officers conducted overtime patrols and stopped 66 vehicles, and arrested 0 drivers for operating while intoxicated.

“We made no arrests for operating while intoxicated, however, we made several arrests for drug and firearm violations and suspended drivers as a result of the traffic stops. Although the mobilization was geared towards intoxicated drivers and we did not make any arrests for that violation shows that through our ongoing efforts we are reducing the numbers, making the roadways safer for our community," said Mobilization Coordinator Sgt. Jeff Neace.

“This campaign is about saving lives and reminding people that there are consequences to driving impaired,” said Sheriff David Thomas “People don’t just drink and then ‘accidentally’ get behind the wheel. It’s always a choice, and one you should never make.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 10,000 people die every year on average in drunk driving crashes in the U.S. That is the equivalent of one person dying approximately every 50 minutes.

In 2019, 106 people were killed in alcohol-impaired collisions in Indiana, accounting for 13 percent of the state’s traffic fatalities, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“Our goal with this campaign, along with law enforcement, is to reduce the number of impaired driving-related fatalities on Indiana roadways. One death is too many,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “Help us prevent these senseless tragedies by always driving sober or finding a designated driver.”

More than 200 state and local law enforcement agencies participated in this year’s national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which was funded by NHTSA through the criminal justice institute.

Although the mobilization is over, daily enforcement continues, and the department wants to remind Indiana residents that it is illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and having their license suspended for up to one year.

To learn about the dangers of impaired driving, visit: www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober, or to learn more about the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, visit: jeffersoncounty.in.gov.