Distracted driving and phones

Explanation

Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving — for example using a phone, texting or eating.

Indiana law prohibits using a telecommunications device (such as a phone) while driving. For drivers 21 and older, the only exceptions are hands-free use and calling 911 in a real emergency. Drivers under 21 with a probationary license may not use any device at all while driving — not even hands-free — except to call 911.

Texting is the most alarming distraction: sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph that is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Example

Your phone buzzes with a message while you are driving. Leave it. If it can’t wait, pull over somewhere safe and stop before you read or answer it.

Common mistake

Assuming the hands-free exception applies to everyone. It applies to drivers 21 and older; probationary drivers under 21 may not use a device even hands-free, except to call 911.

What the manual says

Distracted driving is any activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the steering wheel, or your mind off of driving.

The only exceptions to this prohibition are when hands-free communication is enabled or if the telecommunications device is being used to contact 911 for a bona fide emergency.

Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.