Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods in Indiana. Local, county and state police are adding extra patrols to increase safety on the state’s streets and highways.

“Until Dec. 1, we will have saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints as part of a comprehensive effort to curb impaired driving,” said Captain Aaron Rovenstine from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. “Anyone found to be driving impaired will be arrested. Also, occupants not using seat belts or who are not properly restrained will be cited and given a ticket. In fact, in Indiana, more than 50 percent of fatalities in auto accidents are due to passengers who did not buckle up,” added Rovenstine.

In Nov. 2012, there were 355 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana resulting in 155 injuries and five fatalities. According to Lt. Kip Shuter, from the Warsaw Police Department, law enforcement agencies from across the state, including the Winona Lake, Syracuse, Milford, North Webster, Mentone, Claypool and Silver Lake Police Departments, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and troopers from the Indiana State Police, are jointly participating in a statewide effort to crack down on impaired driving and seatbelt enforcement over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

“If you see someone driving in a manner you suspect of being impaired, there is a high probability you are right,” said Shuter. “Call 911 immediately and report the location, description, and direction the vehicle is traveling. This will help officers observe the activity of the suspect and take necessary action to prevent a possible tragedy.”

The officers also noted that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 8 and 15. For families with young children, it’s important to have a properly installed child safety seat or booster seat for each child. Parents can visit childseat.in.gov for a list of locations and a toll-free phone number to speak with experts about the proper installation of child safety seats.