(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana law enforcement agencies are launching a statewide traffic enforcement campaign targeting speeding and distracted driving beginning this week.
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is partnering with Indiana State Police and local departments across the state for the annual Safer Roads Campaign, with increased patrols running April 4 through April 13.
As part of the state's Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program, officers will work overtime to stop drivers who are speeding or violating Indiana's hands-free driving law.
State officials say distracted driving and speeding remain two of the most preventable causes of serious and deadly crashes on Indiana roads.
Indiana's hands-free law bans drivers from holding mobile devices while behind the wheel, allowing calls only through Bluetooth headsets, speaker systems or other hands-free technology.
Safety officials are urging drivers to put phones down, obey speed limits, allow extra travel time and leave enough space between vehicles during the enforcement push.
The campaign is supported through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.