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TERRE HAUTE —
Multiple police agencies are working together to ensure that an annual event at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds remains safe for attendees as well as community members.
The Scheid Diesel Extravaganza, well known among diesel truck enthusiasts, is expected to draw thousands spectators and hundreds of diesel pickup trucks, an Indiana State Police news release stated.
To prevent any major problems and allow those attending the event to enjoy the activities, spectators and local residents should notice some changes at this year’s event. The Indiana State Police Putnamville District will be working in partnership with the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Terre Haute Police Department, Indiana State Excise Police, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Task Force 7, Honey Creek Fire Department and Scheid Diesel Co. to provide public safety and traffic direction.
The law enforcement agencies will provide traffic direction at key points near the fairgrounds, and traffic patrol in and around the city of Terre Haute. Officers will be looking for traffic congestion areas, targeting dangerous and aggressive driving, and attempting to deter any potential criminal activity around the fairgrounds and in the city. Inside the fairgrounds, a private security firm will provide the majority of the security.
Reckless and dangerous driving by some of those in attendance and the emission of black diesel smoke into the air are complaints often received by law enforcement. The release stated that Indiana has an “excessive smoke” statute and violations will be dealt with accordingly, as will those individuals riding in the cargo area of the pickup trucks, a violation of Indiana’s passenger restraint statute.
The Indiana State Police will have nearly 50 troopers, some of whom will be in unmarked and high-performance vehicles, assigned solely to this event.
Troopers will have zero tolerance for dangerous and impaired driving, the release stated. During the 2011 event, troopers incarcerated 39 people for driving under the influence, issued 578 traffic citations and made 52 criminal arrests.
