Motorists encouraged to drive sober during St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Tournament

The Indiana State Police Bremen Post today announced that officers will be cracking down on dangerous and impaired driving in March, as part of a statewide enforcement campaign. From February 26 through March 21, 2021, officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols showing zero tolerance for those driving aggressively, over the speed limit, or under the influence. 

The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through an Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) grant. 

On average, drunk-driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives per year in the U.S., according to NHTSA. Although 2020 was a unique year due to the pandemic, preliminary data from the federal safety agency shows that while miles traveled had decreased by about 14.5 percent in the first nine months, overall traffic fatalities increased by 4.6 percent nationwide. 

In addition, a separate report released from NHTSA revealed that more road users engaged in risky behaviors in 2020 such as speeding or driving under the influence and that fewer motorists wore seat belts. 

Despite having fewer drivers on the road in Indiana, 2020 was the third highest year for traffic fatalities (850) in the past decade, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. 

“We’re seeing an uptick in dangerous driving during the pandemic, and it’s very concerning,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “That’s why we’re pulling out all the stops this March to reverse that trend and encourage safe driving behavior. Preventing loss of life is our top priority.” 

Dangerous driving also includes such factors as speeding, tailgating, and disregarding a traffic signal – all of which are against the law in Indiana. Additionally, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and a license suspension for up to 1 year. 

To avoid the potential for legal fees and criminal charges, the department recommends following these simple steps: 

• Slow down and follow all posted speed limits.
• Do not tailgate or drive aggressively.
• Put down the phone and avoid distracted driving.
• Buckle up – every trip, every time.
• Never drive impaired. If you plan on drinking, plan for a safe, sober ride home.
• If you are hosting a party, always offer alcohol-free beverages and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver or allow them to spend the night.
• Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.  Take the keys and never let a friend leave your sight if you think that they are about to drive while impaired

A Salem woman was taken by helicopter ambulance to the University of Louisville hospital last night after police and EMS responded to the report of a gunshot wound at a house on West Walnut Street. 

At approximately 6:18p, Salem Police Department and Captain Chad Webb was dispatched to 402 West Walnut Street after a report of a gunshot wound. 

It is not known at this time if the wound was self-inflicted or otherwise. 

Officers located a woman who had what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the leg 

Washington County EMS arrived and transported the female, who at this time has not been identified, to St. Vincent Hospital, where she was flown by helicopter ambulance to University of Louisville hospital for further treatment. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police are assisting with the investigation. 

Captain Webb conducted multiple interviews and spoke to the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office. 

The investigation is ongoing and WSLM will update this story when more information is made available. 

Washington County government buildings are reopening on March 1 after being closed off and on over much of 2020 due to Covid-19.

The Washington County Board of Commissioner’s held their regular meeting on Friday, February 19, and unanimously voted to open the doors of the county buildings to the public.

There will be no temperature-takers but it is asked that each building require masks for anyone who enters.

The Auditor’s Office at the Courthouse will be bringing signs around to post on all doors.

The Sheriff’s Department/Detention Center will still be locked down until further notice however, the Justice
Center will be open to the public.

The sheriff’s department has been locked down since last spring to protect the jail population and staff. 

Offices closed last spring but continued to do business by phone and by meeting the public outside. 

After reopening in the fall, the offices closed again in November due to the increase in Covid-19 cases in Washington County. 

Currently, the rate of Covid-19 cases has dropped around the county and WSLM Radio reported Tuesday morning that there was only one new case reported on Monday’s update to the Covid dashboard. 

Washington County is also in the Yellow color on the Covid-19 state map, which shows the rate of spread of the virus.