Indiana State Police urges caution over Memorial Day weekend, cites national and state impaired-driving statistics

The Indiana State Police issued a public-safety reminder ahead of Memorial Day weekend, warning drivers to avoid impaired driving and announcing stepped-up patrols and participation in the Click It or Ticket Blitz.

Superintendent Scott told reporters that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show "every day approximately 32 people in the United States die in drunk driving crashes" and that in 2024 "11,904 lives were lost in alcohol-impaired traffic deaths." Locally, he said, Indiana recorded 1,817 crashes during last year’s Memorial Day holiday period, resulting in 418 injuries and seven deaths; 95 of those crashes involved alcohol or drugs.

"Drunk driving is 100% preventable," Superintendent Scott said. He urged travelers to "plan ahead, designate a sober driver before the party starts," intervene if a companion has been drinking, use taxis or ride services, buckle seat belts and call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.

AAA projections cited at the briefing estimate about 45 million Americans will travel more than 40–50 miles over the holiday weekend, increasing traffic volumes. To reduce risk, the Indiana State Police said it is coordinating with law enforcement partners across the state to deploy additional patrols specifically tasked with identifying and removing impaired or otherwise dangerous drivers from roadways.

The message framed enforcement as life-saving rather than punitive: "It's not about writing tickets. It's about saving lives," the superintendent said. The state urged travelers and local residents to make safety choices through the extended holiday season, noting similar enforcement will continue around other high‑travel holidays.

The briefing closed with a reminder that impaired-driving crashes are largely preventable and that the public can help by planning sober transportation and reporting threats to public safety.