Indiana Launches Enforcement Campaign to Target Distracted Driving and Speeding

Indiana’s Hands-Free Law prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle.

(Statewide) - The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is partnering with Indiana State Police (ISP) and local law enforcement agencies across the state to increase patrols aimed at reducing speeding and distracted driving on Indiana roadways as part of the annual Safer Roads Campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

As part of the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, officers statewide will work overtime beginning April 4 through April 13 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 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.

“Traffic safety is a core public safety priority,” ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott said. “We are committed to promoting voluntary compliance and reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Distracted driving and speeding pose serious risks, and campaigns like this are essential to confronting these behaviors and ensuring safer roadways for all motorists.”

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 ISP 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.