Police warn drivers of hazardous roads with increase in injury crashes

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Mishawaka police officers are warning drivers to use caution on the roads as the department has recently seen an increase in crashes resulting in injury.

Officers have been out in full force over the holiday weekend, keeping an eye out for impaired and dangerous drivers. 

So far, the holiday weekend has resulted in around 58 crashes, which is lower than the number of crashes reported last year during this time. 

But so far this year 16 of those crashes resulted in injury. This number more than triples the 5 injury crashes the department saw last year.  

"Total numbers are down as of right now from last year, but the injury crashes are up, so that's a concern," said Lt. Tim Williams with Mishawaka Police. "We just really kind of need to focus on driving for the road conditions."

That means taking it slow and staying focused on the road.

"If the speed limit says 30 miles an hour, that's for ideal conditions," said Williams. "These conditions aren't ideal, they're far from it."

Snow continued to fall through many parts of the Michiana area into Monday morning, causing slick roads and hazardous conditions. 

"One of the numbers I really wanted to try to keep low was the number of people who were arrested for drunk driving," said Williams. 

Last year officers with the Mishawaka Police Department made five DUI arrests during the holiday weekend. So far officers have made seven this year. Williams says he hopes that number doesn't go up. 

"The goal is not to have people get arrested. The goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely," he said. 

Officers will continue patrols throughout New Year's Day.