Associated Press
RUSHVILLE —
Labor Day weekend represents the unofficial end of summer for many people. By early September, the kids are back in school, crops are maturing and soon the fall harvest will be in full swing. College football is back in play and talk turns to the pennant chase in baseball. Weather permitting, for one more three-day weekend people generally get together and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Frequently, however, family fun turns tragic when safety tips and common sense are set aside, especially when alcohol is added into the mix. Law enforcement officers caution motorists not to consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle and drive. The Rushville Police Department and the Indiana State Police are currently in the midst of a month-long program named, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” Officers are actively seeking drivers who consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle and drive. The vehicle does not have to be a car, van or truck. There are laws that govern boaters and alcohol as well. A growing problem is alcohol and off-road type vehicles such as ATVs. Those drivers who choose to drink and drive should know that the Rushville Police Department has a word of caution for them, “Beware.” Funding to pay the overtime hours utilized by officers does not come from local taxpayer dollars and is funded by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Law enforcement personnel will be especially vigilant during night-time hours. Drunk driving is still one of America’s deadliest crimes. Nationwide, an alcohol-related fatality happens every 45 minutes. As recently as 2008 (the latest figures available), 12,000 vehicle deaths occurred in which a driver or motorcyclist tested over the legal limit of .08 of alcohol in the blood system. Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. Visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.