In this simulated traffic stop in Warsaw, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy James Marshall has stopped a motorist talking on a cellphone. Those 21 and younger can no longer talk on cellphones or use telecommunications devices while driving in Indiana.

WARSAW — A learning curve is usually the norm with new state traffic laws. Not everyone is immediately aware of the laws and what their specifics are.

Two of the state laws effective July 1 concern those 21 and under using telecommunications devices while driving and also driving too slow while in the left lane. Each has received attention in statewide media.

Telecommunications Devices

Teens are deeply connected to the digital world. Many have a mobile device of some type and are constantly communicating whether through texting or the various social media outlets.

Their world has become electronic, but when it comes to taking the wheel of a vehicle, the two don’t mix well. Now the law bans those ages 21 and younger from using cellphones or any telecommunications device while driving or even if the vehicle is not in motion but still running, with the exception of making a 911 call.

Sgt. Chad Hill, public information officer for the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, said driving needs to be the top priority. “They need to pay more attention to driving skills while driving,” he said. “Driving is a privilege. You can kill yourself or others.”

Though the 21 and under age group places a high priority on electronic devices, when they get behind the wheel they need to make a quick transition to making driving the top priority, he added.

Hill noted this particular age group lacks driving experience compared to other age groups. Those skills need to be developed with full concentration on the roadway while driving. Taking the eyes off the road for even a few seconds is simply not a good idea.

Enforcing this law will be easier because it is more visual and can be seen easier than texting, for example, Hill said.

Some may feel the 21 and under group is being unfairly targeted. They would point out many adults talk on cellphones while driving. Hill, preferring not to enter any debates, said it is law enforcement’s job to enforce the laws and not debate whether or not they are fair.

But he did note in some states no one, regardless of age, can use electronic devices while driving unless they are hands free.

Slow Pokes In Left Lane

Ask 10 drivers what they are annoyed by the most while driving and there’s a good chance those who drive too slow in the left lane will be cited. The left lane is typically designed to be a passing lane, but sometimes drivers will stay in it even after passing and won’t let others come through.

Indiana’s law now states on roadways where there are two or more lanes of traffic in each direction, a driver in the left lane should move over if someone is approaching from the rear. There are exceptions, such as due to inclement weather conditions, exiting a road, turning left and others.

Hill said it appears the law is designed with the idea in mind to keep traffic moving more smoothly. But, he noted, there are concerns. “It could create speeding violations,” he said. “There is a gray area. Are they constantly holding up traffic?”

In Kosciusko County, this law is more limited in scope because there are not many stretches of roadway with multiple lanes of traffic going both directions. Other than US 30 and parts of Detroit Street in Warsaw, Hill could not think of any others. “Maybe it is a bigger issue throughout the state in the more metro areas,” he said.

Sheriff’s deputies are more inclined to give warnings rather than tickets while the law is still fairly new, he added.