Police are stepping up patrols during the Thanksgiving travel period as part of the Safe Family Travel Campaign, which began this past Saturday. The campaign targets impaired and aggressive driving while promoting seat belt use. Local and state police are conducting sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols through Thanksgiving weekend, including an Operation Pull Over Blitz by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Thanksgiving Eve, which is November 27th this year,  is often associated with increased alcohol consumption, making it one of the most dangerous nights to be on the road. Authorities urge drivers to designate a sober driver, buckle up, and avoid distractions, including using cell phones. Distracted driving contributed to over 3,300 deaths nationwide in 2022.

Despite these warnings, several individuals in Knox County were arrested over the weekend for operating while intoxicated (OWI):

• Hunter Burke, 24, OWI with a prior conviction, a Level 6 Felony.
• Jeffery Shane Gibson, 52, OWI with a prior conviction, a Level 6 Felony.
• Mary Anne Horton, 63, OWI, a Class A misdemeanor.
• Josie Lewis, 40, OWI and resisting arrest, both Class A misdemeanors.
• Matthew Poe, 35, arrested by Vincennes Police, OWI-endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor.
• Randall A. Wollerman III, 34, OWI and possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony.

Authorities remind drivers that “buzzed driving is drunk driving” and encourage reporting unsafe drivers by calling 911.