(La Porte County, IN) - The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to increase patrols aimed at reducing speeding and distracted driving on roadways.
Deputies 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,” 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,” he said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023 and distracted driving accounted for 47 fatal crashes. However, limitations in data collection suggest that the actual number of deadly crashes caused by distracted drivers is likely higher than reported.
“Distracted driving and speeding remain major contributors to serious and deadly crashes,” said La Porte County Police Capt. Derek J. Allen.
“These actions are illegal and endanger everyone on the road. Deputies will step up enforcement and ticket anyone caught violating these laws,” he said.
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.
