Indiana joins 23 other states on Wednesday in prohibiting drivers from holding a cellphone while operating a vehicle. Violations are a Class C infraction with fines of up to $500.
However, cellphone use by motorists will remain legal if hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or a cradle, is utilized. There is also no infraction if the driver is calling 911 to report an emergency.
Distracted driving has become a growing concern – especially in regard to young and inexperienced drivers. Indiana began graduated licensing laws in 2009 requring new drivers to have 50 hours of supervised driving hours, including 10 hours at night. New drivers are restricted from late night driving, having passengers, and operating wireless electronic devices for about six months after receiving their license.
But it’s not just young people who are easily distracted, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s road division commander Capt. Dave Steinkoenig said. It’s also adults who believe their experience gives them an ability to multi-task while driving, he said.
“There are grown adults out there who are just as bad, if not worse, than teenagers,” Steinkoenig said.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
