Many Hoosiers use technology more than ever before to stay connected to family, friends and work, but our devices can be deadly distractions on the road. In the last year alone, the Indiana State Police conservatively estimated 48 Hoosiers were killed and 868 others had standalone crashes caused by cellphone distractions. To save lives, Indiana recently joined 21 other states in passing a hands-free driving law, and it's up to all of us to change our habits and keep our focus on the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about nine Americans die and 1,000 crashes occur each day as a result of a distracted driver. And sadly, distracted driving is also responsible for nearly 60 percent of teen crashes.
With the state's new law effective July 1, motorists will be prohibited from using or holding the cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, except when using hands-free technology like Bluetooth or making an emergency call. Drivers who are stopped at a traffic light, pulled over or parked are still able to use their phones. If pulled over, law enforcement cannot confiscate the phone without consent of the driver unless there is probable cause or a search warrant. If a driver violates the law, they could be fined.
It's estimated that more than 80 percent of American wireless subscribers are using their phones while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. We have all probably shared the road with a distracted driver, and experienced close calls on the road. The problem is obvious. Drivers continuously endanger themselves and others by having one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding a phone.
Too many families lost loved ones because of distracted driving and it's time for a cultural shift if we want to stop these preventable deaths. Each of us can do our part by putting down our devices and keeping our eyes on the road ahead.
House Enrolled Act 1070 was recently signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
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State Rep. Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Warrick, Pike and Spencer counties.
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