Are Indiana Drivers Really Safer With Texting Ban?

October 11, 2011

Since a texting ban on Indiana drivers took effect earlier this year, it would seem, that with only two tickets being issued for infractions of the law in Vigo County in more than three months, Indiana drivers are safer because of the law. Some Police department officials and citizens are saying the law is too difficult to enforce, and that that is the cause for low ticket numbers.

According to the Tribune-Star, the county’s two tickets were issued July 9 and September 12, The first at 1:00 AM on Third and Washington Street and the second at 8:00 AM on Third and Walnut Street. Both violations were classified as Class-C Infractions that carried a $120 fine for a first time offender. While the law has obviously raised public awareness of the dangers that texting while driving poses, many feel the law would be more effective if there was a better way to enforce it.

As of now, Police cannot look at a potential violators phone to see if messages were being sent, and texting cannot be the reason an officer pulls the vehicle over. Therefore, all a driver would allegedly have to do is exit message mode or turn off their phone before being pulled over to avoid a ticket.

The Indiana Auto Accident Attorneys with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin would like your opinion. Has the law been effective in reducing drivers participating in the act, or are drivers just hiding it better? Tell us what you think on our Facebook page.