Just a lil warning!

The following is a synopsis of an ISP press briefing held last week. See my thoughts following the synopsis.

Indiana State Police will add 150 troopers to patrol the roads during the upcoming holiday weekend."Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the most traveled holidays of the year," the agency said in a news release. "Last year, 14 people were killed on Indiana roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

"As it has in the past, ISP is participating in Operation C.A.R.E., or Combined Accident Reduction Effort. The extra patrols will last from Wednesday through Sunday.

"Troopers will be specifically looking for drivers who are drinking and driving, speeding, following too closely or driving aggressively," the announcement said. The officers will also be checking for seat belt and child-restraint violations.

Per their Superintendent they are going to start issuing citations for
1) 6 miles over the speed limit .
2) Failure to Yield
3) Improper Lane Movement (which includes not signaling 300 feet before you change lanes if traveling over 50 mph or not signaling at all)
4) Following too Close

5) Passing an Officer

1: Ok, no biggie (unless you're a ZMS band teacher. However, I always heard it as "9 you're fine, 10 you're mine.")

2. Again, no brainer...however I think most Hoosiers need to retake their Driver's Ed test since we're slowly adding roundabouts. Wow. There are some clueless folks out there. My particular favorite is those who've never mastered the concept of centripetal force and have to slam on the brakes to keep from shooting out of their circular path.

3. There should be an equal penalty for leaving your blinker on for more than 300 ft after making your lane change.

4. This is a $160 fine! Yes, sports fans, that's not a typo.

5. Ok, how brainless do you have to be to PASS A COP?! Hello?! McFly? Of course, these are probably the same folks that irritate me in numbers 2 and 3.

Bottom line: please be safe as you travel this holiday weekend. And remember heaps of turkey = heaps of tryptophan. Tryptophan + car = bad. Tryptophan + couch + football = greatest thing ever! (Tryptophan http://www.howstuffworks.com/question519.htm)