{"id":129255,"date":"2026-03-30T10:59:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T14:59:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=129255"},"modified":"2026-03-31T12:24:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T16:24:53","slug":"fwpd-to-increase-patrols-to-target-distracted-driving-and-speeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2026\/03\/30\/fwpd-to-increase-patrols-to-target-distracted-driving-and-speeding\/","title":{"rendered":"FWPD to increase patrols to target distracted driving and speeding"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Fort Wayne Police Depart is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to increase patrols aimed at reducing speeding and distracted driving on Indiana roadways.<\/p>\n

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News release from the Fort Wayne Police Department:<\/p>\n

Fort Wayne Police Department to increase patrols to target distracted driving and speeding<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fort Wayne, Indiana (March 30, 2026) \u2013 Fort Wayne Police Depart is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols aimed at reducing speeding and distracted driving on Indiana roadways.<\/p>\n

As part of the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, officers will work overtime beginning April 4 through April 13, 2026, to identify and stop drivers who are speeding or violating Indiana\u2019s Hands-Free Law<\/a> (IC 9-21-8-59).<\/p>\n

\u201cDistracted driving and speeding are preventable behaviors that put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk,\u201d said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. \u201cThis campaign is a reminder that these actions have real consequences, and law enforcement officers are actively working to keep Indiana\u2019s roads safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Indiana recorded 249 speeding-related fatalities in 2023, and distracted driving accounted for 47 fatal incidents. However, limitations in data collection suggest that the actual number of deadly crashes caused by distracted drivers is likely higher than reported.<\/p>\n

\u201cDistracted driving and speeding remain major contributors to serious and deadly crashes,\u201d said Lt Tony Maze. \u201cThese actions are illegal and endanger everyone on the road. Officers will step up enforcement and ticket anyone caught violating these laws.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indiana\u2019s Hands-Free Law, which took effect in 2020, prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. Calls may only be made using hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth, headset, or any other hands-free technology.<\/p>\n

To help prevent dangerous driving behaviors, ICJI and law enforcement encourage motorists to:<\/p>\n