08/17/2026
*The Washington Police Department to increase impaired driving enforcement ahead of Labor Day*
As summer winds down, the Washington Police Department is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints 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, officers statewide will work overtime beginning August 19 through September 7, 2026, to identify and stop motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“Our Officers see the consequences of impaired driving. As part of this Operation Pull Over campaign, we're asking everyone to make the responsible choice before getting behind the wheel. If you've been drinking or using an impairing substance, DON’T DRIVE.” said Chief Derrick Devine. “Find a sober ride, call someone you trust, or make another safe choice. That decision can be the difference between getting home safely and a tragedy.”.
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 Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “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.”
In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.
Have a Plan Whether You're Driving, Riding, or Hosting:
• Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home.
• Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they've been drinking.
• If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911. Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
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, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.