Minnesota Law Enforcement Cracking Down on Distracted Driving Next Week

Next week law enforcement will be on the lookout for drivers engaging in activity that distracts them from paying attention to the road.

KARE 11 reported yesterday that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety issued their official warning that agencies would be cracking down on distracted driving.  The statewide crackdown will take place next week, April 13th through the 18th.

I think there are many folks, myself included, who take our eyes or minds off the road to check phones or play with the radio (although I don't know why'd you ever switch it from 98.1!) but some of the stats are eye opening.

First, the fines associated with texting and driving can run you $125-$145 depending on the county.  If you injure someone or kill them, it can result in felony charges.  Don't let the driving part fool you, it's also illegal to do it at a stop sign or stoplight.

Second, the DPS put it in perspective -- at a speed of 55 miles per hour, texting and driving is the same as traveling the length of a football field without looking up.

This should be a good lesson to all of us to put away the phone and other devices, the makeup and whatever else distracts us from the road.  It can all wait.

(KARE11) (Minnesota Department of Public Safety)