Evansville, IN – With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the Evansville Police Department (EPD) is reminding everyone to celebrate the holiday with family and friends while keeping safety a top priority. For those staying in the Evansville area, the EPD is increasing patrol visibility as part of the annual Safe Family Travel Campaign.
The campaign, which began on November 16, focuses on impaired driving, aggressive driving, and seat belt use. Officers will work overtime conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to discourage impaired driving and encourage proper seat belt use. The high-visibility enforcement campaign is funded by grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
For those traveling outside Evansville, the American Red Cross offers several safety tips for the Thanksgiving season:
**Traveling by Car:**
– Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for a road trip.
– Pack an emergency preparedness kit, supplies, and a first aid kit.
– Share your travel plans with someone.
– Check weather conditions before and during your trip.
– Be well-rested and alert, and avoid distractions like cell phones.
– Always buckle up, slow down, and never drive impaired.
– Follow road rules and exercise caution in work zones.
– Make frequent stops and rotate drivers during long trips.
– If you experience car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.
**If winter weather threatens:**
– Stay with your car; don’t walk to safety.
– Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for visibility.
– Run the car’s heater for 10 minutes every hour, keeping the exhaust pipe clear.
– Keep the overhead light on when the engine is running.
– Leave a window slightly open for fresh air.
– Keep your gas tank full to prevent freezing.
**Traveling by Plane or Train:**
– Wash hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer.
– If you’re sick or have been in contact with someone sick, consider postponing travel.
– Bring your own pillows and blankets for extra protection.
– Avoid touching your face and cover coughs or sneezes with tissue or your sleeve.
The EPD wishes everyone safe travels and a Happy Thanksgiving!
