Officers looking for speeding, distracted drivers starting Saturday

State and local police agencies have joined in a traffic enforcement blitz starting this weekend aimed at cracking down on speeding and distracted driving.

The enforcement campaign includes state and local law enforcement agencies around Indiana, including the Bartholomew, Decatur and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Columbus, Crothersville, Greensburg and Seymour Police Departments and Indiana State Police troopers.

Starting Saturday and running through April 13th, police will be conducting overtime patrols, looking for those speeding and violating Indiana’s Hands Free Law. The law prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices while operating a vehicle. Calls may only be made using hands-free technology,

Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023, and distracted driving was cited in 47 fatal incidents.

Authorities are encouraging you to put your phone down and avoid multi-tasking while driving, obey speed limits and adjust your speed for road conditions, allow your self extra travel time and keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles.

The extra enforcement effort is part of the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and supported by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.