Distracted Driving Day

A few weeks ago a Northfield resident wrote about a near miss by a young driver who was busy texting and not watching the road.   Today, in Rice County, and all across Minnesota law enforcement will be patrolling the roads looking especially for drivers who aren't paying attention.  So, park your phone and pay attention to driving.

Distracted driving is a leading crash factor in Minnesota, contributing to one-quarter of all crashes annually and resulting in around 70 deaths and more than 8,000 injuries each year.

“It’s a myth that we can multitask behind the wheel, when the reality is distractions are dangers piled atop the important task of driving,” says Donna Berger, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “It’s up to every driver to eliminate these unnecessary distractions.”

Minnesota's "No Texting while Driving" Law

It is illegal for drivers to read/compose/send text messages and emails, or access the Internet using a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic —including stopped in traffic or at a traffic light.

Cell phone use is totally banned for school bus drivers.

Cell phone use is totally banned for teen drivers during their permit and provisional license stages.

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 — try to avoid food/beverage (especially messy foods) and have 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.