Citations due to distracted drivers are on the rise, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety is asking Minnesota drivers to pay attention. Because of these issues escalating, the state traffic safety officials and law enforcement agencies are launching a distracted driving education campaign this week on Thursday, April 19. The effort, coordinated by the DPS, will include ramped-up patrols from nearly 400 city and county agencies, in which they will be partnering with the State Patrol. The campaign will include paid media and support from the Minnesota Safety Council and the Minnesota Teen Coalition to encourage high school students to push anti-distracted driving messages at schools. Driver distraction contributes to ¼ of all Minnesota vehicle crashes yearly, with results in 208 deaths and nearly 26,000 injuries in the last three years. In Minnesota, it is illegal for drivers to read or send texts and access the Web on a mobile device, whether driving or stopped due to a stoplight or traffic. “While driving may seem like a routine activity for many of us, the road environment changes constantly and demands focus at all times,” says Donna Berger, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “We can’t use our daily commutes to conduct other business while behind the wheel.” The “no texting” law was effective as of August 2008 in Minnesota, but citations continue to increase each year. Year 2008 had reports of 93 citations given to individuals using phone devices while driving, 2009 jumped quickly up to 294, 2010 reported 518 citations and in 2011 there were a total of 784. Some tips from the DPS to help minimize distractions include turning off cell phones or place them out of reach to avoid the urge to dial/answer, pre-program favorite radio programs and arrange music in an easy access area and try to avoid consuming food/beverage while driving and make sure drinks are secured.
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