In recent years, distracted driving has increasingly become one of the most common causes of car accidents. This is why many traffic safety organizations have made distracted driving the main focus of many driver education programs.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is leading the charge this month to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Indiana State Police will also be doing its part to reduce the number of distracted drivers on our roads and highways.
"Distractions behind the wheel can have devastating consequences," Devon McDonald, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Executive Director, said per 96.3 XKE Fort Wayne. "We urge all motorists to focus on the road and avoid any activity that takes their attention away from driving safely."
Distracted driving accidents are a serious problem in Indiana
There's a reason why organizations like the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute are working hard to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Motorists who engage in distracted driving (including texting while driving, using a cell phone while driving, self-grooming, looking up directions, etc.) often cause serious and fatal car accidents in Indiana.
For instance, in 2022, distracted drivers in Indiana caused 85 car accident fatalities, according to a WISH-TV report based on accident data compiled by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. That figure is 25 percent higher than the year before when distracted drivers caused 68 fatalities in Indiana.
"People still drive around watching Netflix videos while they're driving," McDonald said in an interview with WISH-TV. "The big reasons why crashes occur, generally speaking, are speeding. (But) distracted driving is definitely a high, high incident rate with crashes."
How Indiana is working to prevent distracted driving accidents
Throughout April, local and state police in Indiana will be out in full force to educate drivers and enforce the state's distracted driving laws, according to a statement released earlier this month by the Indiana State Police and published by 96.3 XKE Fort Wanye.
"People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway and put themselves and others at risk," Indiana State Police Lieutenant Jason Allen said in the statement. "Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving."
Does Indiana have distracted driving laws?
Indiana has several strict laws designed to prevent distracted driving accidents. In 2020, Indiana created the "Hands-Free Law," which prohibits drivers from operating a hand-held mobile device while driving.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), other distracted driving laws in Indiana include:
- No texting while driving, which includes reading, writing, or sending a text message.
- Drivers under 21 years old cannot use a cell phone while driving.
Violators of these laws can face fines and other penalties. For example, drivers who break Indiana's hands-free law can be fined up to $500 and could have penalty points added to their driver's license.
How a distracted driving accident lawyer can help you
If you were injured by a distracted driver in Indiana, you might think you don't need an attorney's help to handle your accident claim. However, the reality is many accident claims quickly turn into complicated legal cases. Remember, even seemingly straightforward cases can become complex when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings.
An experienced distracted driving accident attorney from Glaser & Ebbs, Attorneys At Law can protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Our legal team can answer any legal questions you might have, explain your potential options, and then get right to work building the strongest possible case.
Put the Indiana law firm with 100 years of trial experience to work on your car accident claim or lawsuit. Contact us and schedule a free consultation. We have six offices conveniently located throughout Indiana, including offices in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. We also work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict on your behalf.