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Dear Editor:
Those of us in the business of building and maintaining Indiana’s roads, bridges and interstates are excited about changes coming to these transportation systems on July 1. That’s when House Bill 1070 becomes law, banning drivers from using their hands to operate a mobile phone when behind the wheel.
The law doesn’t prohibit drivers from using hands-free or voice-operated technology to make a call, but holding a phone to talk, text or tweet while driving will be illegal, enforceable and punishable.
It’s a common sense move that should put a dent in grim statistics that, in 2018, reported 14 people killed and 650 injured in INDOT work zones. Driving a motor vehicle is no time for distraction of any kind, especially in a work zone.
On behalf of transportation workers statewide, thank you to the General Assembly and Governor Holcomb for making our roadways safer.
Dave McDougall
Carmel
Dave McDougall is the Indiana office leader for HNTB Corporation, an infrastructure solutions firm.