Police Watching Closely For Texters Behind Wheel

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Police around Indiana are starting to make more of an effort to catch people who are texting while driving. 

 

Earlier this year, the state became the 35th in the nation to ban sending texts while behind the wheel, but Indiana State Police wrote just 25 tickets for doing so in the first two months the law was in effect starting in July. 

 

Such texting laws are proving to have little positive effect. A new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed texting while driving jumped 50 percent last year. The report stated 20 percent of Americans admit to texting while driving.

 

While banning texting, Indiana’s law does not make it illegal for someone to be on the Internet on their phone while behind the wheel. 

 

Government figures indicate 3,092 people were killed in car accidents nationwide in 2010 where distracted driving was the main cause. 

 

Overall a thousand fewer people died on America's highways last year, compared to 2009, even though total miles driven were up more than 1.5 percent.

 

LINKS:

 

Texting Law Goes Into Effect July 1

More from Local News

Events

A Life Surrounded by Bees: Why Our Local Beekeepers Matter More Than Ever

Garry Reeves and his wife Kathy Reeves run a home-based honey operation in Moores Hill.

Southeast Indiana’s Early Heroes: The Civil War’s Medal of Honor Soldiers

As the U.S. marks its 250th birthday, communities across the country are looking back at the people who shaped the nation’s story.

New Report Shows Economic Impact of Initial READI Funding

The report includes summaries of READI impacts for each of Indiana’s regions.

Switz. Co. 7th Grader Sets School Record in Shot Put

The record was set at Wednesday night's quad meet in Vevay.

Local Sports Report - April 22, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

ORVC Names Top Performers for April 13-18

Eight earned weekly honors, while several others were recognized.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Sam Hunt - Body Like a Back Road

Tracy Byrd Keeper of the Stars 10:35
Zach Top Bad Luck 10:27
Luke Bryan I See You 10:24
Tim McGraw Down on the Farm 10:21