Law enforcement to amp up patrols to stop drunk drivers Thanksgiving week

BREMEN, Ind.-- Drive sober or get pulled over!

It’s a familiar message to many, but Indiana State Police want drivers to know they will be on the look out this Thanksgiving week.

“The night before Thanksgiving traditionally is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year." said Indiana State Police Sergeant Ted Bohner.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2013 to 2017, more than 800 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, making it one of the deadliest holidays on our roadways.

To help get impaired drivers off the roads and possibly save a life—Indiana State Police along with local enforcement will be upping patrols and manning the roads this week on the lookout for drunk drivers.

So what happens if you’re found to be impaired behind the wheel?

According to Sergeant Bohner, a drunk driving arrest on average costs $10,000 dollars.

You can potentially lose your job and serve jail-time.

 Bohner says that’s why it's important we think about it now, with clear minds, so drivers aren’t left thinking, ‘what-if,' later.

“Hopefully we’re thinking about what's important to us, our friends and family and keeping them safe. Just doing a few of these simple things can assure we have a more traditional holiday season next year when we get together," said Bohner. It just takes one decision to ruin it for you and countless other families."

According to Bohner, options that drivers can plan ahead of celebrations include designating a sober driver, taking advantage of a ride-share app, or simply staying the night.