Indiana State Police observe safe driving awareness week

Indiana State Police officers are on special watch for distracted drivers this week.\nThe Indiana State Police declared this week “Crashes are No Accident Week.” The idea of this project is to promote safer driving and to elaborate on the definition of “accident.” \n“(The word) ‘accident’ leads to the misconception that they are out of our control,” said Sgt. Curt Durnil of the Indiana State Police’s Bloomington post.\nIn 2007, traffic crashes killed more than 890 Indiana residents, according to the state police press release. These incidents were caused by mistakes such as impaired driving, speeding and lack of focus on the road. \nThe type of distractions the state police are warning drivers about include cell phones, radio, beverages and food.\nTo further encourage citizens to operate their vehicles more safely, the state police outlined four tips for the public to follow. The first is an oldie but goodie – buckle up. \nThe second is to never drive impaired. \n“Choose a sober driver,” Durnil said. “There’s always public transportation.”\nThe third tip is to drive defensively, not aggressively. The state police advised drivers to move when a car is speeding up behind them and to not tap their brakes or slow down. This can help drivers to avoid accidents. \nThe best way to avoid crashes caused by aggression is to not challenge fellow drivers and to ignore eye contact and gestures, Durnil said.\nThe final suggestion is to always drive attentively. Durnil said driving without sleep is similar to driving drunk.\nAlthough police are trying to increase awareness of crashes this week, drivers will not face any additional consequences for breaking driving laws.\nDepending on the area of Indiana, the police may take a more focused approach to locating distracted drivers. \n“In areas where there are more hills, the initiative might be speeding, whereas a city’s might be tailgating,” ISP Sgt. Ray Poole said.\nOn a more local level, the IU Police Department will remain consistent with its current objectives to keep drivers on campus roads safe.\n“We certainly profess the same ideas as the ISP,” IUPD Lt. Tom Lee said. “We encourage folks to drive carefully.”