Scheid Diesel Extravaganza to draw big crowd, police in Vigo Co.

S. 3rd Street/ ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

Diesel truck enthusiasts will roll into town from all around this weekend.

The annual Scheid Diesel Extravaganza three - day event will again be held at the Vigo County Fairgrounds. It is expected to draw a few thousand spectators and hundreds of diesel pick-up trucks to the Terre Haute area Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts said heavy traffic from the event tends to lead to  various violations and mishaps. 

"The heavy traffic, along with the possibility of law violations and unsafe driving behaviors, can pose a substantial risk to the safety of those attending the event or simply passing by," he said.

Watts notes that many businesses around the fairgrounds will increase security.

"Many businesses in the area will close their parking lots after hours to discourage large gatherings of random individuals and the potential for mayhem," Watts said, adding that police will provide security in those areas as well.

The event coincides with the current federally funded "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. State, county. local officers will patrol in marked and unmarked vehicles during this time. Multiple agencies will work around the area, including the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Excise Police, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, West Terre Haute Police, Indiana State University Police and the Terre Haute Police Department to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. 

Law enforcement officers will be targeting:

• Dangerous and impaired driving.
• Alcohol - related violations, including underage drinking.
• Passenger restraint violations, noise violations, passengers riding in the cargo area of the pickups. 
• The “excessive smoke” statute.  

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"Voluntary compliance of our traffic and criminal laws is what we are hoping for, but law enforcement will be ready for those who drive or act in a manner that poses a danger to others”, ISP Lieutenant Dan Jones, Commander of the ISP Putnamville District stated in a press release.

For more information on the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza, visit the website.