Indiana State Police sergeant shares warning for drivers on New Year’s Eve

SOUTH BEND, Ind.—Indiana State Police Sergeant Ted Bohner shared a warning for drivers on New Year’s Eve: don't drink and drive.

Snow created dangerous conditions for drivers on Tuesday morning.

“I drove on local roads and state roads and all of them were snow covered. It definitely requires you to slow down and buckle up this morning,” Bohner said.

Between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day last year, Bohner said there were over 900 crashes in Indiana.

“With us getting ready to ring in the New Year, don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth it,” Bohner said. “When you drink and drive, you’re increasing your chances exponentially to have a horrible crash.”

Bohner said extra Indiana State Police Troopers will be out patrolling for the holiday, through the weekend.

“Your average DUI can cost upwards of $10,000, that’s a lot of money. It sticks with you with insurance rates for years to come. That’s just if you get arrested. If you get involved in one of those crashes, you have a lot more to worry about and lives that can be changed forever,” Bohner said.

Bohner added that drivers need to be cautious when waking up on New Year’s Day after any festivities involving drinking the night before as blood alcohol levels may still exceed the legal limit even hours after drinking alcohol.