INDIANA — As millions of travelers prepare to take to the roads for America’s 250th Independence Day, Indiana Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana State Police (ISP) are issuing an urgent directive to motorists: prioritize safety, or expect to be pulled over.
On Monday, June 29, 2026, state officials officially launched the statewide Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) blitz. The targeted enforcement campaign partners state troopers with local and county law enforcement agencies across Indiana to drastically increase police visibility and clamp down on hazardous driving over the long holiday window.
The initiative comes ahead of what is expected to be a historic travel period. According to holiday projections from AAA, nearly 62 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home by car over the extended weekend, pushing traffic volumes on regional highways to record-breaking levels.
Cracking Down on “Crash-Causing” Behaviors
The primary focus of the C.A.R.E. blitz is to flood major corridors and high-risk local roads with additional patrols. State police emphasize that troopers will have a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive and distracted driving behaviors that routinely lead to severe collisions.
Key enforcement targets include:
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Violating Indiana’s hands-free mobile device law
- Executing unsafe lane movements and failing to signal
- Tailgating or following other vehicles too closely
However, the foundational goal of the blitz remains the active identification and removal of impaired motorists.
Looking Back: The Cost of Holiday Speeding & Impairment
Data released from the previous year’s Fourth of July travel window underscores the danger on Indiana roadways:
- 1,865 total crashes statewide
- 620 sustained injuries
- 23 tragic fatalities
- 92 distinct collisions officially tied to alcohol or drug impairment
“If you’re drinking this weekend, don’t drive. It’s a risk not only to yourself but to families on the road,” Gov. Braun warned during the multi-agency press briefing.
Life-Saving Practices for Holiday Motorists
To ensure that celebrations marking the nation’s semiquincentennial remain safe, law enforcement officials are urging the public to actively participate in preventative habits before a vehicle ever leaves the driveway.
State police recommend establishing a solid travel plan by designating a completely sober driver or budgeting for a taxi or ride-sharing service before any holiday drinking begins. Family and friends are heavily encouraged to step in and prevent loved ones from operating a vehicle if they show any signs of impairment.
Additionally, troopers remind travelers that wearing a seat belt is the single most effective defense against an unpredictable, impaired driver. If you spot an erratic vehicle or suspect someone is driving under the influence on an Indiana roadway, you are advised to maintain a safe distance and dial 911 immediately to report the vehicle description and direction of travel.
