4-8-26 Wednesday News 9 P.M. E-8
Motorists in Marshall County and across the state can expect to see a heavier police presence on the roads over the next couple of weeks as local law enforcement agencies crack down on dangerous driving behaviors.
Police departments across Marshall County are partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to launch a high-visibility enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speeding and distracted driving on Indiana roadways.
The initiative is part of the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), which provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement. Through this program, officers will be working overtime from now through April 13, specifically to identify and stop drivers who are speeding or violating Indiana’s Hands-Free Law.
The crackdown comes in response to sobering traffic safety statistics. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023. Additionally, distracted driving accounted for 47 fatal incidents that same year.
Officers will be paying special attention to violations of Indiana’s Hands-Free Law. Enacted in 2020, the law strictly prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. Phone calls may only be made using hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth, an earpiece, or a dashboard mount.
To help prevent dangerous driving behaviors and avoid a citation, law enforcement encourages all motorists to follow these safety guidelines:
- Put the phone down and avoid multitasking while driving.
- Obey posted speed limits and adjust your speed for inclement weather or poor road conditions.
- Allow extra travel time, especially during busy commute periods.
- Keep a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.
The increased patrols will remain in effect through April 13.
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