Millions of Hoosiers use their vehicles to get to and from work, drop off kids at school and run errands in their daily lives. State lawmakers want to make sure they are doing everything they can to keep drivers safe. District 48 State Senator Mark Messmer of Jasper says this year, the Indiana General Assembly passed several measures aimed at enhancing motor vehicle safety.
The Senate Enrolled Act 248 directs the courts to recommend a 60-day suspension of one’s driving privileges to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles if that person has more than two judgments or convictions for speeding or reckless driving in a highway work zone when workers are present within a 12-month period. The general assembly hopes the bill will crack down on those who speed through construction zones and help save the lives of construction workers and drivers.
The House Enrolled Act 1048 requires drivers who have been in an accident, if possible, to move their cars out of the way to help prevent secondary crashes. The law also increases the penalties for defacing or changing a car’s Vehicle Identification Number. The General Assembly also passed House Enrolled Act 1130 requiring the Criminal Justice Institute to establish standards for service centers, inspections and technicians for ignition interlock devices.
Messmer says the device is a breathalyzer for an individual’s vehicle, which requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece before starting the vehicle if it’s part of their DUI sentencing.
You can contact Messmer’s office directly with any questions and concerns by email at Senator.Messmer@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
