Hamilton County law enforcement will step up traffic enforcement efforts in early April as part of a statewide initiative aimed at reducing dangerous driving behaviors.
The Hamilton County Traffic Safety Partnership is joining forces with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols focused on speeding and distracted driving. The effort is funded through the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), which supports local enforcement with federal dollars.
From April 4 through April 13, officers will work overtime shifts to identify drivers who are speeding or violating Indiana’s Hands-Free Law, which prohibits motorists from holding mobile devices while driving.
ICJI Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger said the enforcement campaign is designed to address behaviors that can lead to serious or fatal crashes.
“Distracted driving and speeding are preventable behaviors that put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” Huntsinger said. “This campaign is a reminder that these actions have real consequences, and law enforcement officers are actively working to keep Indiana’s roads safe.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023, along with 47 deadly crashes attributed to distracted driving. Officials note those numbers may be underreported due to limitations in crash data collection.
Hamilton County Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush said deputies will be actively enforcing traffic laws during the campaign.
“Distracted driving and speeding continue to be contributors to serious and deadly crashes,” Quakenbush said. “These actions put everyone on the road at risk. Our deputies will be increasing enforcement efforts and will issue citations to those observed violating these laws.”
Indiana’s Hands-Free Law, which took effect in 2020, allows drivers to use phones only through hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or headsets.
Officials are also urging motorists to take simple steps to reduce risk on the road, including putting phones away while driving, obeying posted speed limits, allowing extra travel time, and maintaining a safe following distance.
The CHIRP program is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by ICJI.