Law enforcement will be committing extra resources to catch distracted drivers in Minnesota throughout the month of April, according to an update from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
“Scrolling through social media on your cell phone. Unwrapping that delicious cheeseburger. Checking that work email that someone just sent. Those are all fine — from the comfort of your couch. Behind the wheel? They could be deadly,” said the state Department of Public Safety in their message to Minnesota drivers.
Distracted Driving A Major Issue
According to the Department of Public Safety, distracted driving was a factor in nearly 30,000 crashes in Minnesota alone between 2019 and 2023. Annually it contributed to about 29 deaths and 146 life-changing injuries a year over that same period.
“Simply put, a two-ton vehicle with a distracted driver behind the wheel can steal a life,” said Mike Hanson, director DPS’ Office of Traffic Safety. “Don’t fool yourself. You’re distracted anytime you shift your attention from driving. It can be challenging, but for everyone’s safety, focus on driving.”
Cutting back on distracted driving has been a point of emphasis since the hands-free driving law went into effect on August 1, 2019. That law mandated that anyone operating a vehicle could not use a cell phone unless they were doing so in a hands-free mode. Not surprisingly, citations for cell phone use and distracted driving have increased in recent years as police have worked to crack down on the driving practice, and they hope that this month’s announcement will help people get the message that they need to focus on the road when they are behind the wheel.
The crackdown begins today, April 1, and runs through April 30. Departments from all over the state will be taking part in the crackdown, so don’t assume that you can drive distracted so long as you are outside of the major metro areas.
A first offense citation for distracted driving in Minnesota will set you back more than $100 when you add in court fees. Subsequent violations come with a $300 fine and associated court fees, and it’s worth noting that you can face stiffer criminal punishments in the event that you injure someone while violating the hands-free law or while driving distracted. You can face felony charges for injuring or killing someone because you were driving distracted. Cell phone evidence and witness statements can help tell the whole story, so make sure that you put the phones down this month and for the rest of your life when you’re behind the wheel so everyone can stay safe.
If you need help contesting a distracted driving charge or a similar traffic charge, make it a point to connect with Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm. For more information, or to set up a free case consultation, give our team a call today at (952) 224-2277.
