Police across Indiana will be on high alert in April as they participate in an annual traffic safety campaign looking for people speeding or driving while distracted.
Distracted driving and speeding caused over 17,000 thousand crashes across Indiana in 2024, resulting in 230 deaths.
To help save lives, police across Indiana will participate in a traffic safety campaign from April 5 through April 19. During the campaign, which is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, motorists should expect to see an increase in roving and high-visibility patrols.
“Distracted driving isn’t just risky, it’s deadly,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “Taking your eyes off the road for even just a few seconds can change a life forever. No text, call, or notification is worth the cost of a crash.”
Distracted driving, which involves cellphone use or any activity that takes attention away from the task of driving, is risky behavior that endangers everyone on the road, from the distracted driver and other drivers to passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Drivers can prioritize safe driving by keeping their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road, and their focus on driving.
In 2020, Indiana passed a law prohibiting holding or using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Since then, law enforcement agencies have worked to educate motorists, issuing 7,684 hands-free citations and 11,203 warnings in 2024 alone. Violating the law is a Class C infraction, which carries a fine of up to $500 and results in points being added to an individual’s driver’s license.
“We all share the road, and all Hoosiers share the responsibility to drive safely,” said Douglas Huntsinger, ICJI’s Executive Director. “Slowing down is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and others.”
Speeding is an aggressive and deadly behavior. It reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve. As speed increases, so does the likelihood of a crash and the degree of severity, leading to more severe injuries for the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other road users. Speeding also increases the potential for loss of vehicle control, especially in inclement weather, and reduces the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment.
For more information on distracted driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving, or for more information about Indiana’s hands-free device driving law, visit www.HandsFreeIndiana.com. For more information on speeding, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding.
Mayor Listenberger's office releases bands performing for the 2025 Mayor's Summer of Music concert series
Indiana celebrates Legacy Businesses, accepting nominations for Century, Half Century awards
Former Indiana Governor Holcomb joins Doral Renewables board of directors
Braun signs agricultural portal bill into law
Trailer stolen in 2022 recovered in Parke County
USS Indiana to return from deployment
Illegal gambling website trying to mislead Hoosiers into thinking it’s affiliated with Indiana’s licensed casinos
Drama in Washington: Parke Heritage, University to play tonight in semistate championship (audio)
Mooney chosen to serve as Clinton clerk - treasurer
Parke County burn ban lifted
Violent domestic abuser sentenced to federal prison for third illegal reentry into US from Mexico
National Weather Service issues tornado watch until 10 p.m.
Red Cross Giving Day, March 26
Two area farms to be recognized at Indiana State Fair
Lane closures to impact State Road 63 southbound in Vermillion County
Prepare now for severe weather threat starting Friday
Pair of Rockville men land behind bars
