Monroe County agencies to boost holiday traffic enforcement as part of ‘Safe Family Travel’ campaign

Staff report

Bloomington, Ind. — November 24, 2025

Local law enforcement agencies in Monroe County will increase traffic enforcement over the holiday season as part of a statewide effort to reduce crashes and save lives.

The Monroe County Traffic Safety Partnership (TSP) announced Monday that officers will step up patrols from November 26 through the end of December, focusing on impaired driving, aggressive driving and seat belt violations. The effort is part of Indiana’s annual Safe Family Travel campaign, led by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) and supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The partnership includes officers from the Bloomington Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Ellettsville Police Department and the Indiana University Police Department.

During the campaign, officers will work overtime to conduct sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols intended to deter unsafe driving and encourage motorists to buckle up.

“We see the consequences of unsafe driving every day,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, in a statement. “By buckling up, slowing down, and never driving impaired, we can all help make Indiana’s roads safer this season.”

According to NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes nationwide, especially during the holiday period when more people are traveling and attending parties. Officials also point out that failing to wear a seat belt is still one of the most preventable causes of death on the road.

“Driving safely is a shared responsibility,” said Bloomington Police Department Sgt. Garrett Mitchell. “If you plan to drink, plan a safe ride home. Stay sober behind the wheel or arrange a sober ride before the night begins.”

Mitchell and other local officers are urging residents to make use of designated drivers, taxis and rideshare services, and to speak up if friends or family attempt to drive after drinking.

Authorities are also asking the public to help by reporting dangerous behavior. Motorists who see a suspected impaired or unsafe driver are encouraged to call 911.

For more information on risky driving behaviors and how to stay safe on the road, residents can visit NHTSA’s website at nhtsa.gov/risky-driving.

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