Texting and driving against the law in Indiana

As of July 1st, 2011 it will be against the law in Indiana to type, transmit, or read text messages or e-mail while operating a motor vehicle. Police officers will be allowed to pull you over and issue a citation for this offense, and the fine could be as much as $500. Drivers using hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash. Distracted drivers accounted for 7,800 collisions in 2009 and cost Indiana tax payers $257 million dollars. Please drive safely, don't text and drive, and don't give my deputies a reason to pull you over and issue a citation. Let's do everything we can to keep Indiana's roadways as safe as possible.