Local authorities will be stepping up enforcement of Indiana’s hands-free law that restricts texting while driving.
Police and sheriff’s deputies will be stepping up enforcement of Indiana’s “hands free” law that restricts the use cellphone by drivers in the state.
The crackdown is part of an initiative launched by the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to deter distracted driving. The NHTSA says that in 2021, distracted driving, including cellphone use, killed 3,522 people nationwide.
“Distractions behind the wheel can have devastating consequences,” said Devon McDonald, director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “We urge all motorists to focus on the road and avoid any activity that takes their attention away from driving safely.
Shelby County Sheriff Louie Koch is among area law enforcement officials who have announced increased enforcement during April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
“People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and put themselves and others at risk,” Shelby County Sheriff’s Maj. Chris Holder said. “Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving.”
Those found in violation of Indiana’s hands-free law could face a Class C infraction, fines of up to $500 and have points added to their driver’s license.
Meantime, the NHSTA is urging motorists to pledge not to text while driving by pledging not to drive distracted and sharing the pledge on social media, #JustDrive.
