In Indiana it is against the law to text and drive.
IC 9-21-8-59
Use of telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle
Sec. 59. (a) A person may not use a telecommunications device to:
(1) type a text message or an electronic mail message;
(2) transmit a text message or an electronic mail message; or
(3) read a text message or an electronic mail message;
while operating a moving motor vehicle unless the device is used in conjunction with hands free or voice operated technology, or unless the device is used to call 911 to report a bona fide emergency.
(b) A police officer may not confiscate a telecommunications device for the purpose of determining compliance with this section or confiscate a telecommunications device and retain it as evidence pending trial for a violation of this section.
As added by P.L.185-2011, SEC.4.
Here are some alarming statistics:
• The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has found that texting while driving is a distraction that increases the likelihood of a crash by 23%.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that distracted drivers were the cause of 18% of all of all fatal crashes with 3,092 people being killed, and crashes that resulted in injuries with 416,000 people wounded.
• Pew survey forty percent of all American teens say that they have been in a car where the driver used a cell phone in a way which put people in danger.
• The Federal Communications Commission states that eleven percent of drivers who are between the ages of 18 to 20 who were involved in an automobile accident and survived have admitted that they were either sending or receiving texts when they crashed.
Common sense dictates you can lower the risk of injury by being extra vigilant when you are aware another driver is distracted. For example, if you see the driver behind you is constantly looking down you should move to a different lane if possible.
Also discuss the seriousness and dangers of texting while driving with your friends and family to make the roads safer.