- Each day in the U.S. more than nine people are killed and more than 1,153 people are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver
- 80 per cent of crashes involve some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the incident
- There are now more crashes related to texting and driving than drinking and driving
- 57 per cent of American drivers admit to texting behind the wheel
- The average text takes your eyes of the road for nearly five seconds – driving 55mph in five seconds travels the length of a football field
- People who text and drive are 23 times more likely to crash
A new Indiana license plate bears the words ‘Put the phone down’ in an effort to help prevent distracted driving.
As well as raising awareness of distracted driving, the plates are helping to raise funds for sponsors Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA) to continue supporting safe driving programs in Indiana.
The IMTA ‘Put the Phone Down’ plate can be purchased at any Indiana BMV license branch or certified partner location or at myBMV.
The plate may be registered on passenger cars, trucks up to 11,000 lb., motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. The plate may be purchased for $40, with $25 being returned to the IMTA for distracted driving programs.
