State officials unveil campaign to combat distracted driving

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - State officials are kicking off a new state-wide campaign to combat distracted driving with the unveiling of a specialty license plate for Indiana drivers.

The new plate reads "Put the Phone Down" in an effort to bring awareness to the dangers of distracted driving.

The plates cost $40. The Indiana Motor Truck Association, a sponsor of the initiative, says more than half of the proceeds from those sales will go toward funding safe driving awareness programs.

State legislators have also proposed a bill this punishing drivers over the age of 21 who use a cellphone for purposes other than phone calls and navigation.