131 Citations Issued in First Days of MN Distracted Driving Enforcement
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ST. PAUL - Preliminary numbers show 131 citations have been issued for texting while driving during the first three days of a statewide distracted driving enforcement and education campaign.
Law enforcement officers also cited 448 people for seat belt violations and arrested 10 people for DWI.
• The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety is coordinating with 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies that are adding extra patrols April 11- 20.
• DPS/OTS is Tweeting law enforcement activity connected to the campaign. These Tweets were posted at MnDPS_OTS since Friday and included the hashtag #JustDrive:
o We warned you. Extra patrols are out for distracted drivers. 42yo male just cited on Hwy 42/Louisiana in Scott County. #JustDrive
o Not wearing a seatbelt AND texting? 33yo male near Hwys13/101 just cited for both. Be safe out there! #JustDrive
o As if texting isn't bad enuf, 27yo male was cited for texting AND driving after revocation @ 9400 blk Lexington Ave in Lexington. #JustDrive
o 65yo female on Hwy 55/South Shore cited. Had phone in left hand, something else in right hand and NO hands on the steering wheel. #JustDrive
o Have Fri nite plans? Plan NOT to text while driving. 36yo female cited for this on Bunker Lake Blvd NW/Hanson Blvd NW in Andover. #JustDrive
• In Minnesota, it is illegal for drivers to read, compose or send texts/emails, as well as access the web on a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic – including at a stoplight/stop sign or stopped in traffic.
• It is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone at any time.
• Driver distractions also include:
o Talking on cell phones
o Eating/drinking
o Dealing with rowdy passengers
o Grooming
o Daydreaming/taking mind off driving;
o Reaching for items
o Adjusting radio, music, GPS, or vehicle controls