The Indiana State Police would like to remind drivers of the dangers of distracted driving. We hear so much about texting and driving. That’s a major concern, of course. But there is more.
Not long ago, a crash killed three people on Interstate 65 near Indianapolis.
The driver responsible is facing three counts of reckless homicide. All over a cup of coffee.
He did something right in using a headset to talk with his wife. But this driver took his eyes off the road just long enough to set down his cup of coffee.
“Turning on or off a navigational aid, trying to find a street number, adjusting the temperature inside a vehicle, dropping something on the floorboard, all of those things can lead to potential tragedy,” said Captain David Younce, instructor at the Indiana Law Enforcement Agency.
He says taking attention away from the road for only moments can have serious consequences.
“If you were to take your eyes off the highway for five seconds and if you were traveling 55 miles an hour, you would cover the length of a football field, 100 yards in 5 seconds,” Younce said.
Younce says the thought of blindly driving past a football field is enough for people to let whatever it is wait.
State laws currently deal specifically with texting and driving.
Law enforcement trainers say they’re hoping this new legislative session will bring new laws, making it easier to cite drivers for other types of distracted driving.
Governor Eric Holcomb has voiced support for this. He hopes that a “hands-free” driving law is passed this coming session.
Theodoros & Rooth has seen too many of these deadly accidents on our roads and interstates. Too often, as in this case, innocent men, women and children are killed or seriously injured as a result of a distracted or impaired driver. If you or a loved one has been a victim or a car or truck accident caused by distracted driving, please call us immediately. Theodoros & Rooth will investigate your case and represent you aggressively. There is never a charge until your case is resolved in your favor.
Some information courtesy, WTHR-TV.