Distracted Driving Crackdown Starts Monday

Monday, April 9 is a date to remember. It marks the beginning of a distracted driving crackdown in Minnesota. Law enforcement will be working extra hours looking for distracted drivers. Plain and simple it's against the law for drivers of all ages to compose, read, or send electronic messages or access the internet on a wireless device when the vehicle is in motion. This also applies when you are stopped in traffic or waiting at a red light.

The Minnesota Department of public Safety says texting and driving citations increased by 23% from 2016 to 2017. General Estimates System states that around 215 of injury crashes were reported to have involved distracted driving.

As far as talking on a cell phone while driving, it's a no no if you're driving a bus or under the age of 18.  Do yourself a favor and perhaps save a few bucks, pull over to the side of the road if you need to text or check the internet. It's a good idea to do so even if you're making or taking a cell phone call. Remember there will be extra eyes upon you starting Monday.