Hamilton 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, 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,” ICJI Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger said. “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.
Quakenbush
“Distracted driving and speeding continue to be contributors to serious and deadly crashes,” Hamilton County Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush said. “These actions put everyone on the road at risk. Our deputies will be increasing enforcement efforts and will issue citations to those observed 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 NHTSA and administered by the ICJI. For more information about ICJI’s traffic safety programs, visit in.gov/cji.
Click here to learn more about Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership.
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