Driver Looked Down At Lap, Moved Into Oncoming Traffic: Witnesses

OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MN — Distracted driving may have played a role in crash near Fergus Falls Monday, according to witnesses. Erin Elizabeth Bottko, 23, was driving a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero east on Highway 210 near Fergus Falls when the crash occurred. Bottko and a 3-year-old passenger suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Witnesses told authorities that Bottko was looking down towards her lap when she moved into oncoming traffic, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The Alero then moved back into the correct lane.

The Alero then went down into the ditch, down a hill, crossing a dirt road and struck a tree. Bottko and the passenger were transported to Lakes Region Medical Center for their injuries.

Distracted Driving

Distracted or inattentive driving is when a driver engages in any activity that might distract them from the primary task of driving — and increases their risk of crashing.

Each year in Minnesota, distracted or inattentive driving is a factor in one in four crashes, resulting in at least 70 deaths and 350 serious injuries, according to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

OTS estimates these numbers are vastly underreported due to law enforcement’s challenge in determining distraction as a crash factor.

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