INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA — The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is partnering with Indiana State Police and local law enforcement agencies statewide to increase patrols targeting speeding and distracted driving from April 4 through April 13, 2026, as part of the annual Safer Roads Campaign.
Officers across the state are working overtime during the campaign to identify and stop drivers who speed or violate Indiana’s Hands-Free Law. The effort is part of the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program, an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Indiana’s Hands-Free Law, which took effect in 2020, prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices while operating a vehicle. Calls may only be made using hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or a headset.
Why It Matters
According to NHTSA, Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023. Distracted driving accounted for 47 fatal incidents that same year. Officials note that limitations in data collection suggest the actual number of deadly distracted driving crashes is likely higher than reported.
“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.”
ISP Superintendent Anthony Scott added: “Distracted driving and speeding pose serious risks, and campaigns like this are essential to confronting these behaviors and ensuring safer roadways for all motorists.”
ICJI and ISP are encouraging drivers to put the phone down, obey posted speed limits, adjust speed for road conditions, allow extra travel time during busy commutes, and maintain a safe following distance.
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