Minnesota Authorities to Crack Down on Distracted Driving

According  a news release put out yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced that there will be extra enforcement throughout Minnesota for distracted driving from April 11-17.

According to the press release, preliminary numbers for 2015 show that distracted driving was a factor in about 17,400 crashes. This resulted in 74 deaths and at least than 174 serious injuries.

If you are cited for distracted driving, the first-time offense comes with a $50 fine plus the expense of court fees. For second citations, and any future citations, the fine jumps to $275 plus the court fees.

How often have you seen someone cross the line, or sit at a green light, only to see that they were looking at the phone at the time? Law enforcement will be giving extra attention to distracted driving from April 11-17. Whether it’s looking at your phone to check a text, double checking the directions on the GPS, adjusting the temperature or eating, it all falls under the category of distracted driving, and not only is it dangerous, it’s illegal.