New Albany, IN – Drivers across Floyd County can expect increased law enforcement presence on local roadways as deputies step up patrols to crack down on speeding and distracted driving.
According to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, the enforcement effort begins Friday and runs through April 13 as part of a partnership with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). The initiative falls under the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program, which provides federal funding to support local traffic safety enforcement.
Officials said deputies will be actively monitoring for drivers allegedly violating Indiana’s hands-free law and exceeding posted speed limits. The campaign aims to reduce preventable crashes and improve roadway safety throughout the county.
“Distracted driving and speeding are preventable behaviors that put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,” said ICJI Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger. “This campaign is a reminder that these actions have real consequences.”
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023, along with 47 deadly crashes involving distracted driving. Authorities noted the actual number of incidents involving distracted drivers is likely higher, as some violations are difficult to confirm.
Sheriff Steve Bush emphasized that deputies will be enforcing violations throughout the campaign period, and drivers allegedly caught breaking traffic laws could face citations. Indiana’s hands-free law, enacted in 2020, prohibits motorists from holding mobile devices while driving, though hands-free technology is permitted.
Law enforcement officials are urging drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and allow extra travel time—especially during busy commute hours. Maintaining a safe following distance and adjusting speed for road conditions are also key safety recommendations.
The enforcement campaign is funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by ICJI.
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