Indiana drivers reminded to stay focused and stay alert to avoid causing a crash
Indiana continues to face a serious issue with distracted driving accidents, as indicated by the latest car accident data compiled by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. To promote safety on the roads, the Institute has urged drivers to prioritize their attention while driving.
Devon McDonald, the executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, emphasized the need for a cultural shift in society towards safer driving practices.
"Just like it used to be OK to drink and drive (and) it used to be OK to not wear your seatbelt," McDonald said in an interview with WISH-TV. "It took years and years and years, decades even, to kind of shift that mindset for the general public. We're very much out there with cellphone usage."
At Glaser & Ebbs, our car accident lawyers have witnessed the devastating consequences of collisions caused by distracted drivers in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and communities across Indiana. If you were injured in an Indiana car accident that wasn't your fault, our dedicated attorneys are here to help. Contact us today to review your legal rights and potential options for compensation.
Indiana distracted driving statistics
Like many other states, Indiana is grappling with the issue of distracted driving, including behaviors such as texting, talking on a cell phone, and other actions that divert a driver's attention away from the road.
Tragically, the number of fatalities resulting from distracted driving accidents in Indiana has been increasing. For instance, in 2021, 68 deaths and 863 accidents were attributed to distracted driving, marking a 25 percent increase in fatalities from the previous year. Additionally, the latest car accident data compiled by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute shows that in 2022, there were 85 fatalities and 887 distracted driving crashes in Indiana.
These numbers highlight the urgent need for drivers in Indiana to prioritize their attention while driving and avoid any behaviors that could cause distractions. All drivers need to understand that their actions on the road have consequences and that taking even a momentary glance away from the road can have devastating results.
For example, taking just 5 seconds to read or send a text message while driving 55 miles per hour is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. The potential for disaster is clear, and it's critical that all drivers recognize the dangers of distracted driving and make a commitment to stay focused on the road at all times.
What is the punishment for distracted driving in Indiana?
Indiana has taken steps to address the issue of distracted driving through legislation aimed at reducing dangerous behaviors on the road. One such law is the statewide ban on texting while driving, implemented in 2011. This law applies to all drivers, regardless of age, and prohibits the reading, typing, or sending of text messages while driving. Additionally, Indiana Code 9-21-8-59 prohibits drivers from using a cell phone at a red light.
More recently, in 2020, the state passed the Hands-Free Indiana law, which aims to further reduce distracted driving and improve safety on the roads. Under this law, drivers are prohibited from holding mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, while driving. Those who violate this law can face fines of up to $500 and have points added to their driver's license.
By implementing these laws, Indiana has taken important steps toward promoting safer driving practices and reducing the number of distracted driving accidents on its roads. First, however, all drivers must take personal responsibility for their actions behind the wheel and prioritize safety at all times.
Contact an Indiana distracted driving accident attorney today
Glaser & Ebbs is committed to fighting for the rights of injury victims in Indiana. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our team of experienced trial lawyers has the knowledge and skill to pursue justice and financial compensation for our clients aggressively.
Our approach to each case is meticulous and thorough, with a focus on investigating every detail and leaving no stone unturned in search of the truth. Our attorneys understand the importance of obtaining the money clients rightfully deserve after an accident, and we consistently achieve sizable settlements and verdicts for our clients.
With offices throughout Indiana in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Warsaw, Decatur, and Kendallville, we can answer your questions and help you find your way forward. In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, contact Glaser & Ebbs today to see how we can help you.