Working Together to Promote Safe Driving at the Brickyard 400

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana State Police District 14 Commander, Lieutenant Jay Janke, announced today, increased efforts to improve highway safety related to the upcoming Brickyard 400 NASCAR race.  The 15th running of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 27, 2008.

As part of the effort, Indiana State Police will partner with Illinois State Police District 10, at Pesotum, IL to monitor the I-74 corridor incorporating both jurisdictions.  Troopers from both law enforcement agencies will patrol their respective areas of the interstate and will be watching for any unsafe driving habits.  Troopers will be particularly alert for speeding, DUI and other alcohol violations, failure to wear seat belts, following too closely and unsafe lane changes.   

Lieutenant Janke emphasized the importance of safe driving, particularly during the Brickyard 400 travel weekend stating, “The Brickyard 400 weekend will generate a dramatic increase of traffic on Interstate 74.  Regardless of whether motorists are driving to the race or to other locations, we want everyone to have an enjoyable and a safe weekend.” 

Lieutenant Janke offered the following safe travel tips for Brickyard fans:

• Avoid distracted driving - review travel routes and parking plans prior to departure
• Leave early to allow plenty of time to arrive at the track safely
• Obey the speed limit
• Look AND signal before changing lanes
• Avoid aggressive driving
• Drive sober, use a designated driver and report impaired drivers by safely dialing 911
• Always buckle up
• Be prepared to wait in long lines when arriving and departing the racetrack

The Allstate 400 at the Brickyard traditionally generates race day attendance of between 300,000 to 400,000 fans.  However, activities at the Speedway begin on Friday, July 25, with NASCAR Sprint Cup practice and then to O’Reilly Raceway Park  for the Power Stroke Diesel 225.  Racing continues into Saturday, July 26 with race qualifications at the Brickyard for the Allstate 400 and move again to O’Reilly Park for the Kroger 200 with racing concluding on Sunday with the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

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