ISP: “Buckle Up, Phone Down” for holiday weekend travel

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – With Memorial Day weekend upon us, the Indiana State Police (ISP) wants to remind the public of the importance of safe driving practices ahead of the expected travel increase.

In support of the “Buckle Up Phone Down” campaign recently introduced by INDOT, Indiana State Police officials sent a message to remind drivers always to wear seatbelts and never drive distracted.

While Indiana’s nearly 94% seat belt use rate over the past few years surpasses the national rate of 91%, the other 6% accounts for 47% of all fatalities, according to an ISP release.

AAA says that crash risk increases by 50% while texting and driving, and in 2022, more than 7,000 crashes in Indiana occurred concerning distracted driving or mobile devices.

Before heading out this weekend, drivers can check traffic at INDOT Trafficwise (511in.org).

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