People urged to avoid distractions while behind the wheel

Law enforcement officers from across the country are joining together this April to deter distracted driving.

When many people think about distracted driving, cell phone use is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, that is not the only way people are distracted while driving. Distracted driving also includes eating, talking to passengers, adjusting the radio, or adjusting vehicle controls.

"Distractions behind the wheel can have devastating consequences,” said Devon McDonald, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director. “We urge all motorists to focus on the road and avoid any activity that takes their attention away from driving safely."

Indiana took a significant step towards reducing distracted driving in 2020 with the implementation of the hands-free law. Violators of the law could face a Class C infraction with fines of up to $500 and have points added to their license.

Law enforcement agencies across the state continue to educate drivers about the law and enforce its provisions.

To deter distracted driving, police agencies in Indiana will once again join thousands of officers across the nation for an enforcement campaign to combat texting and other forms of distracted driving. The national distracted driving campaign runs from April 1 through April 8. Indiana law enforcement officers will continue the campaign throughout the month.

During the campaign, motorists on Indiana’s roadways can expect to see increased patrols law enforcement agencies. Officers will be on high alert for violations of the hands-free driving law.

The Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

The ICJI encourages all motorists to learn more about distracted driving and the dangers it presents. Resources are available online at www.distraction.gov, and information on Indiana’s hands-free device driving law can be found at https://on.in.gov/HandsFree.