SUBJECT: “Operation ELF” Holiday Traffic Enforcement
RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-NR-107
CONTACT: Lt. Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding
During a news conference earlier today, representatives of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Traffic Safety Partnership (which includes the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department) and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) announced details about and answered questions related to our Operation ELF (Eliminate Local Fatalities) Holiday Aggressive Driving and Seatbelt Enforcement Campaign. This high-visibility local enforcement effort will run from Wednesday, December 03 through Wednesday, December 31, 2014.
Area roadways are typically jammed packed this time of year with shoppers rushing from store to store in search of holiday presents, supplies and food. As you head out, traffic safety is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Slow moving traffic and packed roadways can easily generate frustration among drivers. Suddenly, behavior that you would otherwise avoid can begin to surface. Speeding to beat a red light, aggressive lane changes and failing to yield violations are more frequently observed when the roadways are busy.
The Sheriff’s Office and Police Department urge drivers to use caution when shopping this December, especially after dusk and when navigating crowded parking lots. The excitement of holiday shopping and the search for the ultimate gift should not come at the expense of traffic safety.
Remember, Sheriff’s deputies and Police officers assigned to Operation ELF will be taking note of who is naughty and who is nice. Don’t be a Grinch this December, even a lump of coal in your stocking would be preferable to a moving violation citation.
Enhanced local enforcement is made possible by funding provided by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Pictured above (left to right): Sgt. Scott Hurt (EPD), Mr. Mark Hartman (ICJI), The Grinch, Sheriff Dave Wedding (VCSO) and Lt. Noah Robinson (VCSO).
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