As summer winds down, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national enforcement campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Through the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, deputies will work overtime beginning August 19 through September 7, to identify and stop motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“Deputies are seeing the consequences of impaired driving far too often,” said Administrative Captain Derek J. Allen.  “As we enter the final weeks of summer, we are asking every driver to make responsible decisions.  A sober ride is not just the safest option—it’s the choice that saves lives.”

Preliminary data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that in 2025, nearly 23% of Indiana’s traffic fatalities involved alcohol, and more than 41% involved drug impairment.

“Impaired driving continues to be one of the most serious threats on our roadways, and we’re focused on reducing these tragedies through education and enforcement,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the ICJI.  “This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign reminds everyone that impaired driving is preventable.  When you choose a sober ride, you’re helping protect your community and ensuring everyone makes it home safely.”

Have a Plan Whether You’re Driving, Riding, or Hosting:

Before drinking, plan a safe, and sober ride home.

Do not let someone get behind the wheel if they have been consuming alcohol.

If you are hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.

If you see an impaired driver, call 911.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, administered by ICJI, is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation, NHTSA.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.