Local law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to put away distractions behind the wheel while increasing traffic enforcement efforts this month.
The first high-visibility enforcement effort is being launched this month by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to deter distracted driving during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Law enforcement officers nationwide will work together to enforce texting and distracted-driving laws and remind people to put away distractions while on the road, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.
“People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and put themselves and others at risk,” Johnson County Sheriff Duane Burgess said in a statement on the effort. “Drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. ”
Violating Indiana’s distracted-driving laws can be costly as violators of Indiana’s hands-free law could face a Class C infraction with fines of up to $500. Points could also added to their license, according to the sheriff’s office.
Additionally, the Johnson County Law Enforcement Coalition will participate in a statewide traffic safety enforcement campaign during April. Federal funding will put additional officers on the roads to enforce Indiana’s laws around impaired driving, seat belts, stoplights and stop signs.
The goal of this high-visibility enforcement is to deter impaired and dangerous driving behaviors that compromise safety on Indiana’s roadways during this heavily traveled season, according to the sheriff’s office.
Law enforcement officers will deploy special patrols designed to detect impaired drivers. Officers will also be on the lookout for motorists and passengers, including children, who are not buckled up.
Anyone caught driving without a seat belt or transporting children who are not properly restrained will be cited, along with those who disregard stop lights or signs, according to the sheriff’s office.
Anyone caught driving under the influence with an illegal blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, of 0.08 or higher will be arrested.
