SELLERSBURG — With 24 more deaths on state roads this year than at the same point in 2011, Indiana State Police Sgt. Jerry Goodin announced Wednesday the agency’s intentions to heighten traffic enforcement “with absolutely zero tolerance” for violations such as speeding and traveling without wearing a seat belt.

“That’s a growing trend that we have to stop,” Goodin said of the increase in traffic deaths this year.

At a podium placed in front of police cars, motorcycles and even a helicopter, Goodin said ISP intends to use its equipment and resources to combat reckless driving and violations that could lead to accidents. He conceded increasing traffic stops and writing more tickets is never popular with the public, but Goodin said evidence points to the fact that vehicle deaths rise when police enforcement wanes.

“So it’s really a no-brainer,” Goodin said at the press conference that was held on the grounds of the Sellersburg State Police Post.  

By the numbers, the volume of crashes in urban areas has slightly decreased in 2012.

“But the number of rural crashes and deaths has increased,” said ISP Lt. Dave Travis, commander of the Sellersburg post.

When it comes to rural accidents, some of the common violations that lead to the crashes are driving off the roadway on the right side, traveling at an unsafe speed and failing to use a seat belt, he continued.

“We know if you wear your seat belt, it’s going to save your life,” Goodin added.

There have been 12 traffic deaths in the Sellersburg district this year and 319 statewide, Travis said. In the district, the main areas of concern are Ind. 111 in Harrison and Floyd counties and Interstate 65 between the 0 and 22 mile markers, he said.

Stepping up enforcement efforts won’t require additional troopers, Goodin said. The plan is to ask state police officers “to do just a little bit more” when it comes to looking for violations, he continued.

The state police will utilize a variety of methods and equipment during its enforcement campaign including Ford Mustangs, unmarked patrol cars and vehicles that look like Indiana Department of Transportation work trucks that will be stationed near construction zones. Goodin added ISP is requesting local police agencies join them in stepping up their enforcement of traffic violations.

Distracted drivers are obviously a problem and can cause accidents due to their lack of attention, Travis said. While there are state laws prohibiting cell phone texting while driving, he said other actions that cause a driver to be distracted such as fixing their hair or talking to a passenger in the vehicle are not violations. However, Travis warned such distractions can cause motorists to drive erratically and lead to actions that are citable offenses such as traveling over the center line in the road.

He said ISP officers are trained to look for such violations and will be extra wary of such actions during the enhanced enforcement campaign.

In a statement, ISP Superintendent Paul Whitesell commented on the seriousness of the situation.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to minimize the number of crashes that injure and kill people on our roadways and will use all tools and enforcement methods at our disposal to stop such needless tragedies,” he said.