Six States Coordinate Distracted Driving Crackdown

Pennsylvania leads multi-state enforcement campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a smartphone on a car dashboard, the phone's screen illuminated against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the dangers of distracted driving.A stark visual reminder of the risks of distracted driving as police across six states coordinate a major enforcement campaign.Indiana Today

Pennsylvania State Police are leading a multi-state enforcement effort this week, joining with law enforcement agencies from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and West Virginia to crack down on distracted driving. The coordinated campaign coincides with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Why it matters

Distracted driving remains a major public safety issue, contributing to thousands of injuries and deaths each year on U.S. roads. This multi-state enforcement effort aims to raise awareness and deter dangerous behaviors like texting, using smartphones, and other distractions behind the wheel.

The details

The weeklong crackdown involves increased patrols, checkpoints, and targeted enforcement of distracted driving laws across the six participating states. Police will be on the lookout for drivers engaging in behaviors like holding a phone, typing on a device, or taking their eyes off the road.

  • The enforcement campaign runs from April 7 to April 14, 2026.
  • It coincides with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the United States.

The players

Pennsylvania State Police

The lead law enforcement agency coordinating the multi-state distracted driving crackdown.

Ohio State Highway Patrol

One of the five additional state police departments participating in the enforcement effort.

Indiana State Police

One of the five additional state police departments participating in the enforcement effort.

Kentucky State Police

One of the five additional state police departments participating in the enforcement effort.

Michigan State Police

One of the five additional state police departments participating in the enforcement effort.

West Virginia State Police

One of the five additional state police departments participating in the enforcement effort.

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What they’re saying

“Distracted driving is a serious threat to public safety, and we're committed to working with our neighboring states to crack down on these dangerous behaviors.”

— Colonel Robert Evanchick, Commissioner, Pennsylvania State Police

What’s next

The multi-state enforcement campaign will conclude on April 14, 2026, but police departments are expected to continue targeted distracted driving enforcement efforts in the following weeks and months.

The takeaway

This coordinated crackdown on distracted driving across six states underscores the severity of the issue and the commitment of law enforcement to improve road safety through education and strict enforcement of distracted driving laws.