The Shelby County Traffic Safety Partnership is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols aimed at reducing speeding and distracted driving on Indiana roadways.
As part of the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, officers will work overtime beginning April 4 through April 13, 2026, to identify and stop drivers who are speeding or violating Indiana’s Hands-Free Law.
“Distracted driving and speeding are preventable behaviors that put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “This campaign is a reminder that these actions have real consequences, and law enforcement officers are actively working to keep Indiana’s roads safe.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023, and distracted driving accounted for 47 fatal incidents. However, limitations in data collection suggest that the actual number of deadly crashes caused by distracted drivers is likely higher than reported.
“Distracted driving and speeding remain major contributors to serious and deadly crashes,” said Sheriff Chris Holder. “These actions are illegal and endanger everyone on the road. Officers will step up enforcement and ticket anyone caught violating these laws.”
Indiana’s Hands-Free Law, which took effect in 2020, prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. Calls may only be made using hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth, headset, or any other hands-free technology.
To help prevent dangerous driving behaviors, ICJI and law enforcement encourage motorists to:
- Put the phone down and avoid multitasking while driving.
- Obey posted speed limits and adjust speed for road conditions.
- Allow extra travel time, especially during busy commute periods.
- Keep a safe distance between vehicles.
CHIRP is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. For more information about ICJI’s traffic safety programs, visit www.in.gov/cji.
The Shelby County Post is a digital newspaper producing news, sports, obituaries and more without a pay wall or subscription needed.
Indiana Pork and Indiana Beef donate State Fair food to support flood-ravaged communities
Parke County native enjoys success with latest business endeavor
IDEM reminds residents to sort and safely dispose of flood debris
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton
Indiana law enforcement to increase impaired driving enforcement ahead of Labor Day
Gov. Braun assesses flood damage, takes additional action to help recovery
Indiana State Fair "Taste of the Fair" presented by Pepsi announces 2026 winners
Indiana Agriculture and Technology School featured at recent Rockville Rotary meeting
Dwight Ashley joins Rockville Rotary
Greencastle Music Fest is this weekend
Little Italy Festival is right around the corner
Indiana launches emergency program for veterans impacted by historical flooding
Driver charged after spotted by officer speeding and driving recklessly
Gov. Braun requests Presidential Emergency Declaration following this week's severe weather
INDOT, ISP urge safe travel as flooding, rainfall and severe weather continue
