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Police department plans increased holiday patrol

Seymour Police Department recently announced it will increase patrols for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday travel period, running now through Dec. 6.

Officers will join more than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies to conduct high-visibility patrols, encouraging drivers and passengers to drive sober and buckle up for safety.

“The Thanksgiving holiday period is an extremely busy travel time in Indiana,” Seymour Police Chief Bill Abbott said. “Our focus is on keeping drivers and passengers safe, and increased patrols will allow us to look for those intoxicated drivers or those unrestrained and remind them, ‘Buckle up and drive sober.’ Because if we do see you unbelted or suspect you’ve been drinking, we will pull you over.”

Increased enforcement during the Thanksgiving holiday period is an annual statewide effort supported by federal funding allocated to the Seymour Police Department from the traffic safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. About 10 Seymour officers will work overtime to conduct sobriety patrols and seat belt patrols around the clock.

In November 2014, there were 520 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana, resulting in 235 injuries and three fatalities, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. In the same month, crash reports indicate 276 accidents involved a driver or a passenger unrestrained, resulting in 303 injuries and 15 fatalities.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute also reports that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 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.

For a list of locations and a toll-free phone number to speak with experts about the proper installation of child safety seats, visit childseat.in.gov.