Statewide — Governor Eric J. Holcomb is encouraging drivers to put the phone down and avoid distractions during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, an outreach campaign normally observed in April but was moved to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Making Indiana’s roads safer has been a critical component of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level agenda. This year, Indiana became the 22nd state in the nation to pass a hands-free device driving law, which prohibits drivers from holding a mobile device, except in emergencies, while their vehicles are moving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2012 and 2018, nearly 23,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver in the U.S. In 2018 alone, there were 2,841 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. In Indiana, distracted driving was a contributing factor in more than 10,000 crashes and 24 roadway fatalities last year.
Although texting continues to be a top distraction, any activity that diverts attention from driving is considered distracted driving, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Eating and drinking, taking selfies, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system are all examples and can be equally as dangerous.
