Evansville Police Increase DUI Patrols Through Labor Day

Evansville Police Are Increasing Impaired Driving Enforcement

As summer winds down and Labor Day weekend approaches, Evansville drivers can expect to see extra police patrols on the roads. The Evansville Police Department is teaming up with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to increase impaired driving enforcement as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

When the Drive Sober Campaign Runs

The statewide enforcement effort begins August 19 and runs through September 7, 2026, covering the busy final stretch of summer and Labor Day celebrations. During that time, officers will work overtime and conduct increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to identify drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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And while the campaign may mean seeing more police activity on the roads, the goal is much bigger than writing tickets or making arrests. It's about preventing crashes and making sure everyone gets home safely.

The Numbers Behind the Enforcement Effort

The numbers show why the campaign is so important. Preliminary data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System indicates that nearly 23% of Indiana's traffic fatalities in 2025 involved alcohol, while more than 41% involved drug impairment.

Indiana law makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. However, drivers don't necessarily have to reach .08 to face an arrest. If an officer believes a driver is impaired, an arrest can happen at any BAC level.

Make a Plan Before You Celebrate

So, if you're planning to celebrate Labor Day with friends, make a plan before the party starts. Designate a sober driver, arrange a rideshare, call a friend or find another safe way home. And if you're hosting, make sure your guests have a sober ride available before they head out.

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There's another important role everyone can play, too. If you see a driver you believe is impaired, call 911 and report it. And whether you're driving, riding with someone else or just heading across town, buckle up. Your seat belt remains one of the best defenses against an impaired driver.