“AAA has predicted that this is going to be the busiest travel weekend coming up,” said Sgt. Matt Ames of the Indiana State Police.
Katharine Wiggins, who’s traveling through Terre Haute, said she’s already seen some concerning behavior.
“Just coming down the road a minute ago, I was watching somebody on their phone the entire time right beside us,” she said.
Since 2017, there have been over 1,000 crashes on Interstate 70 between the Indiana and Illinois state line. State police in both states are working to crack down on drivers who may pose a threat.
“We have allotted a lot of man power, especially around the Indianapolis area. Trying to reduce the possibility of accidents or personal injury or fatal accidents at this time,” Sgt. Ames said.
Police said there’s been a break since the last fatal I-70 crash in early October and they hope the pattern continues.
“The reason why I would say we’re having less serious personal injury accidents on i-70 right now is because the Putnamville State Police post and every district out here that works in the Interstate 70, we’re providing man power. We’re reducing the speeds for everyone. We’re trying to make sure people aren’t driving while distracted and they’re paying attention while they’re out there operating their vehicle,” said Sgt. Ames.
According to Sgt. Ames, troopers will be on high patrol beginning Wednesday.
They’re asking drivers to slow down, drive sober, drive alert, and buckle up.
