Drunk Driving Task Force
Programs and Purpose
Drunk Driving Task Force - coordinated efforts with Partners for Success grant manager to recruit all 9 high schools to participate in the mock impaired driving course known as Goggles and Carts. Valparaiso High School coordinated by DFC Sector Leader Natalie Miller touched 130 students, Washington Township High School’s Principal Sue Lipinski reported 40 participating students, Chelsea Winder reported 70 students participation, Morgan Township reported 130 students and Wheeler High School SRO officer reported a grand total of 310 students participating.
Underage Drinking Initiatives - Social Hosting flyers were distributed at the Banta Senior Center Awareness and Education event; Underage drinking presentation at Valparaiso Middle School Thomas Jefferson with Team Peace youth group of 60 students. The following day, the youth wore their #NotAMinorProblem shirts for Instagram picture posts and contest. Council staff invited to present award at the 8th grade graduation; Presentation to the Valparaiso High School SADD club about the consequences of underage drinking and forged a relationship and recruited students for the youth committee; National pizza chain “Hungry Howie” committed to promoting coalition “Sticker Shock” program by tagging each box that leaves the store. Over 1,000 stickers have been applied to the boxes to create awareness of the consequences of social hosting and serving alcohol to minors.
Goggles and Carts
This eye-opening exercise simulates the impairment of drunk driving and leaves a lasting impact, motivating young people to consider alternatives to driving under the influence.
Submit your information below to request Goggles and Carts at your youth serving organization or event.
Law Enforcement Phoenix Award
Chuck Harris, Porter County Recorder originated the Phoenix Award 7 years ago to recognize law enforcement first responders that were able to administer Naloxone (Narcan) on an overdose victim. Naloxone reverses the effect of opioids on the brain receptors providing immediate resuscitation.
Porter County Officers Increase OWI Detection Skills
The Council’s Drunk Driving Task Force hosted a 2 day “Wet Lab” at the MAAC Training Center on June 8th & 9th for Porter County Law Enforcement to gain practical experience by interacting with 30 inebriated volunteers. Officers from the area improved their skills performing field sobriety and breath tests to determine blood alcohol levels and the level of intoxication to warrant an OWI arrest.
Alcohol-Related Crash Fatalities:
- ·26% of alcohol related crashes are on weekends
- 3x move likely at night
- Males account for 80% of all alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities
Thank you to our partners who organized the "Wet Lab" and to the participants who helped make this a successful skill building training. Our partners included: Porter County Sheriff’s Office; Hebron Police Department, Indiana State Police, ICJI, Valparaiso Police Department, Portage Police Department, Ogden Dunes Police Department, Porter Police Department, Burns Harbor Police Department, Chesterton Police Department, Recovery Connections and Kristi Chervenak.