Seatbelt Enforcement Blitz

Police agencies all across Indiana will be stepping up Seatbelt Enforcement Patrols on Rural Roads through the month of May. Seat belts not only save lives, but they save money. Vehicle crashes are the reason that insurance premiums increase. When a vehicle crash results in a fatality, it costs the insurance company more money and the costs are passed along to the consumer. Everyone in a vehicle needs to wear a seatbelt. Numerous lives are lost every year because a passenger or driver of a motor vehicle was not wearing their seatbelt when the crash occured. Buckle up, protect yourself and your family, and save a few dollars.

Thank you

I would like to say Thank you to all of the response that the Sheriff's Office and emergency responders received from the public during this mornings missing juvenile search. The young lady is home safe and sound thanks to a concerned citizen that was made aware of the search through the media. I realize that it is not pleasant when you are awakened in the morning by an automated telephone call from dispatch, however I feel that the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out and helped in the search. I do apologize to anyone that was unnecessarily inconvenienced.

Update On Missing Juvenile

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on 04/24/2011 Essence J. Rudd was located on the east side of Evansville and returned home to her parents. The Warrick County Sheriff's Office would like to thank everyone who helped in this endeavor.

Missing Juvenile

The Sheriff's Office is requesting your help in locating Essence J Rudd, a 9 year old female missing from 4822 Scenic Dr. Apt D Newburgh. Essence has been missing since around midnight on Sunday/Monday April 24/25 2011.  She is  9 years old, 5`0" tall and 80 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink and purple dress with a white collar and blue jean shorts under her dress She was also wearing black and pink tennis shoes. Essence was last seen in the Pine Meadow Apartment Complex. If you have any information on this missing child please call the Warrick County Sheriff's Office at (812) 897-1200.

Warm weather and child safety

It's spring time. This means that there will be children outside playing, bicycling, roller blading and having fun. Drivers need to keep in mind that children don't always follow safety rules regarding vehicular traffic. Small children will dart into traffic without thinking anything about it. Drivers need to always be mindful of small children, always scan ahead when driving in residential areas.

Parents you should remind your children of the safety rules before they go outside to play. Make sure they look both ways before crossing the street. If they are walking on a sidewalk or along the side of the street, they should walk toward the oncoming traffic so they have the opportunity to jump out of the way of an oncoming vehicle if need be. Don't set up basketball goals in the right of way. This encourages children to play in the street. If they are riding bicycles make sure that they ride with the flow of traffic and as far to the right side of the roadway as possible. Everyone should wear a helmet when riding their bicycles both off and on the road. Most head injuries are caused from low speed crashes when their head impacts the concrete or a hard surface. And when riding on the roadway bright colored clothing is a must.

Remind your children not to talk to strangers.

Always keep safety first and have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Motorcycles and Traffic Safety

With warmer weather upon us motorcycles are out in full force. Every driver should be vigilant and operate their vehicle with the safety of other motorists in mind. All drivers should obey the traffic laws, especially at intersections. When you are required to stop, make sure that you come to a complete stop and look both ways before proceeding through the intersection. Motorcycles are not as visible, however if you take the time to look both ways you will see them. Motorcycle riders and their passengers should wear bright colored clothing and use all safety equipment. If we all follow the law making safety the number one priority it will be a safe and fun summer.