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

Dearborn Co. Health Department: Rising Chlamydia Cases in Our County

Free and confidential screenings are available

OCCF Grant Cycle II Applications Available

Grants will be awarded to non-profit projects and programs that benefit Ohio County residents.

Ohio Governor Signs House Bill 492 into Law

The law aims to improve officer safety during traffic stops

IHSBCA Announces 2026 Academic All-State Team

Five local players earned the prestigious honor.

OA, Greensburg Volleyball Teams Earn Academic Award

Putting the student in student-athlete.

SEI Trio to Play in IFCA North/South All-Star Classic This Friday

East Central, Milan and Switzerland County will be represented

On Air

Bible Baptist Church with Pastor Joe Hart playing
Diamond Rio - Mama, Don't Forget to Pray for Me

Meredith Andrews You're Not Alone 8:49
T. Graham Brown Rock Of Ages - PEC ONLY 8:45
Garth Brooks The River 8:39
Sawyer Brown They Don't Understand 8:35