We are all glued to our cell phones. Nowadays the main form of communication is texting. It has become so integrated in our society that many drivers ignore Indiana’s No Texting and Driving Law.
The Police Departments in LaPorte County are noticing these violations more and more. Texting while driving is dangerous and the Police are cracking down on it. 57% of Americans view their cellphones as an integral part of their social life and texting is a key component of staying connected.
Some common statics regarding texting and driving are:
• Five seconds is the average time a driver’s eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling 55 mph that is enough time to cover the length of a football field.
• In 2011, at least 23 percent of auto collisions involved cell phones, equaling 1.3 million crashes.
• At any given daylight moment across America, about 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving. IC 9-21-8-0.5
Indiana’s Distracted Driving Law, Indiana Code 9-21-8-59, makes it illegal for drivers to type a text message, transmit a message or read emails while driving. Regardless of the drivers age, it is also illegal to text or surf the web even if you are stopped at a traffic light. Furthermore, any driver under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone for ANY reason, handheld, or hand-free, while driving.
Indiana’s Distracted Driving Law is considered a “Primary Law” meaning that an officer can pull you over for the offense without having to see any other violation. Practically speaking what this means is that an officer who sees you texting can pull you over immediately and issue a citation. The citation can be costly and could negatively affect your driving record.
If you have any issues with this law or any other driving concerns our attorneys at Friedman & Associates would be happy to assist you. Please give us a call today at 219-329-1264.