The Bloomington Police Department main concern won’t be a Big Ten Championship during March Madness. Rather, they’re hoping for a decrease in drunk driving.
The department will be joining the Monroe County Traffic Safety Partnership in a statewide effort to increase law enforcement during the month of March.
“Between Indiana’s deep-rooted basketball pride and the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, much of Indiana celebrates throughout the month of March,” BPD Sergeant Dana Cole said in a press release. “Celebrating responsibly is important and our officers will be out in full force to keep those celebrating safe. So if we see you driving dangerously or find you over the limit, you will be under arrest.”
Federal funding was given to the Monroe County TSP by the Traffic Safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to support the increased law enforcement presence, according to the press release.
The Monroe County TSP includes the Monroe County Sheriff Department, the Ellettsville Police Department and the Bloomington Police Department.
The initiative is a response to the 529 alcohol-related crashes that occurred in March 2015 across Indiana.
Of these crashes, 214 resulted in injuries and five resulted in fatalities, according to the press release.
Last March, reports also indicated 1,606 collisions resulted from dangerous driving, described as “speed too fast for weather conditions,” “driver distracted” and “driver asleep or fatigued.” These collisions resulted in 332 injuries and four fatalities, according to the press release.
The Monroe County TSP and ICJI also listed tips to avoid impaired driving accidents, such as preventing others from drunk driving, designating a sober driver ahead of time and calling 911 if a driver appears to be impaired on the road.
“Motorists need to do their part to ensure our roadways are safe by making responsible choices,” ICJI Executive Director Dave Murtaugh said. “From watching the basketball tournament action to taking part in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, it’s up to you to be safe and responsible. If you are going to drink, do not drive. It’s that simple.
Lindsay Moore
