Latest news with #DouglasHuntsinger
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Police campaign targeting distracted drivers
ELKHART — Officers with the Elkhart County Traffic Safety Partnership are on high alert as they participate in an annual traffic safety campaign looking for people speeding or driving while distracted. Distracted driving and speeding caused over 17,000 thousand crashes across Indiana in 2024, resulting in 230 deaths, according to information provided by the partnership. To help save lives, the Elkhart County Traffic Safety Partnership is participating in a traffic safety campaign from April 5-19. During the campaign, which is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, motorists should expect to see an increase in roving and high-visibility patrols. 'Distracted driving isn't just risky, it's deadly,' said James Bryan, ICJI's Traffic safety director. 'Taking your eyes off the road for even just a few seconds can change a life forever. No text, call, or notification is worth the cost of a crash.' Distracted driving, which involves cell phone use or any activity that takes attention away from the task of driving, is risky behavior that endangers everyone on the road, from the distracted driver and other drivers to passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, the statement reads. Drivers can prioritize safe driving by keeping their hands on the wheel, their eyes on the road, and their focus on driving. In 2020, Indiana passed a law prohibiting holding or using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Since then, law enforcement agencies have worked to educate motorists, issuing 7,684 hands-free citations and 11,203 warnings in 2024 alone. Violating the law is a Class C infraction, which carries a fine of up to $500 and results in points being added to an individual's driver's license. 'We all share the road, and all Hoosiers share the responsibility to drive safely,' said Douglas Huntsinger, ICJI's executive director. 'Slowing down is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and others.' For more information on distracted driving, visit or for more information about Indiana's hands-free device driving law, visit For more information on speeding, visit The Elkhart County Traffic Safety Partnership includes the following agencies from Elkhart County: Elkhart City Police Department, Goshen City Police Department, Elkhart County Sheriff's Office, Nappanee Police Department, Bristol Police Department, and Wakarusa Police Department.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Local agencies want drivers to 'Put the Phone Away or Pay'
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – Local Tri-State law enforcement agencies are encouraging drivers to put their phones down as part of an annual traffic safety campaign. Indiana State Police and the Evansville Police Department will be a couple agencies on high alert in the coming weeks as officials will be looking for people speeding or driving while distracted. The campaign is slated to run from April 5 through April 19. Officials state distracted driving and speeding caused over 17,000 crashes across Indiana, resulting in 230 deaths. 'Distracted driving isn't just risky, it's deadly,' said James Bryan, ICJI's Traffic Safety Director. 'Taking your eyes off the road for even just a few seconds can change a life forever. No text, call or notification is worth the cost of a crash.' Indiana passed a law in 2020 prohibiting holding or using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet while driving. Officials say 7,684 hands-free citations and 11,203 warnings were given in 2024 alone. Violation is classified as a Class C infraction, which carries a fine of up to $500 and points being added to the individual's driver's license. 'We all share the road, and all Hoosiers share the responsibility to drive safely,' said Douglas Huntsinger, ICJI's Executive Director. 'Slowing down is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and others.' 'Speed limits exist for a reason, and so does Indiana's hands-free law,' said EPD Sgt. Nick Winsett. 'Our priority is keeping our community safe, and we will be enforcing the law to ensure that happens. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
