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Car Accidents

High-Visibility State Police Patrols Coming to Indiana’s Roads

Posted Feb 27, 2021 by Matt Boulton

You likely already know the entire 2021 NCAA men’s basketball championship is coming to the Hoosier state this March, but it’s less likely you know about another month-long campaign coming to Indiana: High-Visibility Patrols.

Starting in March, Indiana State Police (ISP) forces are dropping the hammer on impaired and dangerous driving on roads across our great state.

In addition to an increased police presence, the initiative will involve checkpoints and other public announcements, such as pop-up road signs, designed to bring attention to unlawful driving habits throughout Indiana.

What types of driving behaviors will be granted zero-tolerance?

While all infractions will be met with strict enforcement, troopers will be especially watchful for the following:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Speeding.
  • Distracted driving.
  • Non-use of seatbelts.
  • Aggressive driving, e.g., tailgating, disregarding traffic signals/signs, non-use of turn signals.

With regard to driving under the influence, any Hoosier who is behind the wheel with a BAC of 0.08% or higher faces arrest, fines and, suspension of their license, as well as higher insurance rates. Drivers under the age of 21 will face similar penalties for a BAC of 0.02% or higher.

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On a related note, Indiana also recently announced two additional measures to help curb dangerous driving habits:

1.) Indiana’s officers are now using the SoToxa Mobile Testing System to better identify drug-impaired drivers at the scene of a traffic stop.

2.) The state passed a “Hands-Fee Law” which states that you cannot have your phone in your hand while your car or truck is moving. Otherwise, you will be stopped and ticketed, resulting in a potential fine of $500.

Indiana’s high-visibility enforcement requires overtime patrols that will be funded by the National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through an Indiana Criminal Justice Institute grant.

Crash & Traffic Fatality Statistics

According to Indiana Public Policy Institute’s 2019 data, Indiana saw a total of 217,396 vehicle-related collisions, with 20,200 of these crashes being attributed to speed-related factors, and 3,926 involving alcohol impairment. (Drug-related offenses and aggressive driving acts were undefined in the report.)

Through the first nine months of 2020, the NHTSA reported miles traveled decreased by about 14.5%, yet overall traffic fatalities increased by 4.6% nationwide. The NHTSA also stated that motorists engaged in riskier behaviors throughout 2020, including speeding and driving under the influence.

Locally, Indiana saw fewer drivers on the road in the first parts of 2020, however, it saw its third-highest total of auto-related fatalities (850) in the past ten years.

About Boulton Law Group (BLG)

Led by attorney Matt Boulton, BLG is an award-winning personal injury firm dedicated exclusively to helping Hoosiers who have been injured by another party’s negligence.

In addition to helping his clients recover compensation for their injuries, Matt also places immense focus on providing everyone with the type of care and personal service that reflects the firm’s motto: Get Treated Like Family.

Matt regularly helps Hoosiers with the following types of cases:

To help ensure everyone has equal access to an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney, Boulton Law Group offers everyone a Zero Fee Guarantee. This promise means that you will never pay for a consultation or friendly legal advice and the firm receives no payment for its services unless we win your case.

If you have a legal question related to a personal injury, you can contact Matt direct at 317-350-2680, or you can write to him by using the firm’s confidential contact form. Matt personally reviews all website contacts received at the firm.

Please stay safe out there!

Matt Boulton

Author Matt Boulton

Attorney Matt Boulton is an award-winning personal injury attorney with more than 25 years of experience helping seriously injured people throughout Indiana. He designed his firm for the client who expects exceptional service and passionate, successful legal representation.

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