Texting And Driving Banned In Indiana After July 1

June 22, 2011

After June 30^th, you had better think again about sending someone a text message if you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. According to The Tribune Star, Indiana’s distracted driving law is undergoing some major overhauls that take effect July 1.

It will now be illegal to type, send, or read a text message or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Current distracted driving laws prohibit drivers less than 18 years of age from operating any wireless device while behind the wheel.

Officers are finding that it will be a difficult law to enforce due to the many uses of cell phones today as calendars, music players, and other various functions. It is up to an individual officer’s discretion whether an infraction has occurred. Law prohibits authorities from confiscating a phone to see recent activity.

The wording of the law has many worried that it may not be effective, as it still allows talking on the phone and using the phone for numerous other applications such as video games or browsing the internet.

These activities can be just as dangerous as texting and driving and can just as easily lead to an accident that hurts yourself or someone else. The Indiana Auto Accident Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin may be able to help you if you were hurt because of someone else’s negligent driving.