The Jasper Police Department will increase patrols during the upcoming holiday season as part of Indiana’s Safe Family Travel campaign, an annual statewide effort aimed at reducing crashes and improving road safety. The campaign is supported by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and runs from November 26 through the end of December.
The initiative targets impaired driving, aggressive driving, and seat belt violations—behaviors that historically contribute to an increase in serious and fatal crashes during the holidays. Officers will work additional shifts conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to deter unsafe driving and encourage responsible travel.
“We see the consequences of unsafe driving every day,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “By buckling up, slowing down, and never driving impaired, we can all help make Indiana’s roads safer this season.”
According to federal safety data, alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of deadly crashes nationwide, particularly during holiday gatherings. Officials also note that failure to wear a seat belt continues to be among the most preventable causes of death on the road.
“Driving safely is a shared responsibility,” said Assistant Chief Aaron Persohn. “If you plan to drink, plan a safe ride home. Stay sober behind the wheel or arrange a sober ride before the night begins.”
Residents are encouraged to call 911 to report unsafe or impaired drivers. Additional safety information is available at www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving.
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