(KNSI) – Law enforcement is cracking down on distracted driving this month. Namely, they want people to put their phones down.
The effort is being coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety. Officials are reminding people that hands-free cell phone use is a requirement in the state. Using a phone to check text messages and social media or browse the internet is illegal when behind the wheel.
The law has been in place since 2019. It was passed with the understanding that taking your focus from the road, even for a matter of seconds, dramatically increases the risk of a serious accident. OTS Director Mike Hanson stresses, “Trust me, if you’re involved in a fatal crash, you won’t be thinking about that text you almost missed.”
In 2024 alone, distracted driving is cited as a cause in accidents that led to 137 serious injuries and 29 fatalities. That trend has been flat over the past five years.
Fines for using a phone while buckled up range from $100 for the first offense to $300 for any repeat violations. If someone is seriously injured or killed due to distracted driving, it can be elevated to a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.
Some tips to avoid distracted driving include mapping out the route with GPS before getting underway, pre-program radio stations to make it easy to switch among your favorites, and avoid messy foods. Drinks are okay as long as they are secured.
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