ST. PAUL – The chance of getting stopped for thumbs on
the phone will increase as Minnesota law enforcement agencies across the state
focus on distracted driving education and enforcement April 11-20. Nearly 400
Minnesota agencies are adding extra patrols during an enhanced law enforcement
campaign that runs those 10 days.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety,
Office of Traffic Safety (DPS / OTS):
•
There have been more than 86,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving
during 2009-13, translating to 25 percent of all crashes in those five years.
•
On average, distracted driving accounts for approximately 60 fatalities and
8,000 injuries annually.
•
In 2013, inattention was the contributing factor in 17,598 crashes (23 percent
of all crashes), 68 fatalities and 8,038 injuries.
“It’s a myth to think we can multitask behind the wheel,”
said Donna Berger, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “The reality is
distractions take our attention away from the important task of driving. It is
up to every driver to eliminate distractions and share the road safely and
responsibly.”
Minnesota’s “No Texting” Law
In Minnesota, it is illegal for drivers to read, compose
or send texts/emails, as well as access the web on a wireless device while the
vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic – including at a stoplight/stop sign
or stopped in traffic. It also is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a
cell phone at any time.
Minnesota’s “no texting” law was enacted in August 2008
and citations have increased each year:
•
2009 – 388
•
2010 – 847
•
2011 – 1,270
•
2012 – 1,718
•
2013 – 2,189
Driver distractions go beyond texting. Daydreaming/taking
mind off driving; reaching for items; manipulating radio/music/vehicle
controls; eating/drinking; dealing with rowdy passengers and grooming all can
be driver distractions.
Tips to Minimize Distractions
•
Cell phones – Turn off cell phones or place them out of reach to avoid the urge
to dial/answer or read or send a text. If a passenger is present, ask them to
handle calls/texts.
•
Music and other controls – Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an
easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and AC/heat before traveling or ask a
passenger to assist.
•
Navigation – Designate a passenger to help with directions. If driving alone,
map out destinations in advance and pull over to study a map or program GPS.
•
Eating and drinking – Avoid foods and beverages when driving (especially messy
foods) and have others’ drinks secured.
•
Children – Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle; do not
underestimate how distracting it can be to tend to children while driving.
•
Passengers should speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior.
•
If making/receiving a call to/from someone driving, ask them to call back when
they are not driving.
