One of the 12 Lowell state police troopers vehicles struck by drivers in 2022
Operating While Intoxicated drivers cause of most state troopers being struck on roadways
Contributed By: The 411 News
12 Lowell Post #13 Indiana State Police troopers were struck by drivers in 2022
Arrest numbers for drug and alcohol impaired drivers are among the 2022 statistics highlighted by the Indiana State Police Lowell Post, which covers highways and roads in northwest Indiana.
Sgt. Glen Fifield, Public Information Officer for Indiana State Police Lowell District #13 said Lowell Post troopers arrested 508 individuals for impaired driving in 2022.
"That’s on par with 2021 which was 526. While this number decreased by 18, that number should not be celebrated. Rather, it should be cause for concern."
"A second statistic that we wanted to highlight from 2022 is that the Lowell Post had 12 troopers struck either in their cars or while standing outside of their cars," Fifield said in a statement. "Of those 12 incidents, 8 of the drivers that struck the troopers were impaired by either drugs or alcohol. That is significant and dangerous."
Fifield said, "To drive impaired is a choice that is made by the driver, and a bad choice at that. Education on the dangers of impaired driving continues, but ultimately it is up to each driver to choose not to drive after consuming alcoholic beverages or drugs."
ISP will renew its focus on combatting impaired driving in 2023, using organized blitzes that will include local police and sheriff departments. "If you choose to drive impaired in northwest Indiana, don’t be surprised when you get pulled over," Fifield said. "Don’t put yourself or others in harms way by drinking and driving. Also, if you see emergency lights, slow down and change lanes to give first responders that room to work."
The message from the state police, "We want to go home to our families, just like you.".
Story Posted:01/14/2023
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