Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced Friday that the Indiana State Police and local law‑enforcement agencies will step up patrols across the state for the Labor Day weekend. Troopers will focus on high‑traffic corridors, conduct sobriety checkpoints through Monday, Sept. 7, and enforce seatbelt and hands‑free driving laws.
Why the crackdown matters
The effort is part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, aimed at reducing impaired and aggressive driving. Officials note that 86 crashes in Indiana during last year’s Labor Day weekend involved alcohol or drugs, resulting in 29 injuries and two fatalities. Federal data shows nearly 23 % of Indiana’s fatal crashes in 2025 involved alcohol, while more than 41 % involved drug impairment.
What drivers can expect
Indiana law prohibits driving with a blood‑alcohol concentration of 0.08 % or higher, but drivers can be arrested for impairment at any level if they show signs of being impaired. Impairment caused by illegal drugs, cannabis, or prescription medications is also grounds for arrest. Troopers will also target aggressive behaviors such as excessive speeding, tailgating, and failure to maintain a safe following distance.
Drivers who see a potentially impaired or dangerous driver are encouraged to pull over safely and call 911 using a hands‑free device. When calling, they should be prepared to give the vehicle’s location, direction of travel, make, model, and license‑plate number if possible.
Ride‑share incentives for safe travel
To further encourage sober travel, the state’s Project Plan Ahead program is offering $10 off Uber and Lyft rides every weekend through Sept. 27. Hoosiers in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis can claim up to 1,000 ride credits each Friday through Sunday for trips taken between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m., while supplies last.
Community reminder
State officials are reminding all Hoosiers to plan a sober ride before drinking and to never let an impaired person get behind the wheel. By combining increased patrols, checkpoints, and ride‑share incentives, the administration hopes to keep families safe on the nation’s unofficial holiday.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
