Ask a Trooper – Distracted Driving

Question: I know the distracted driving law has been around for a while now, but can you please talk about it some more?

Answer: Driver distraction or inattention is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25 percent of all crashes annually. Distracted drivers fail to recognize potential hazards on the road and react more slowly to traffic conditions, decreasing their margin of safety.

Types of driver distraction:

■ Visual: Looking away from the road.

■ Mechanical/physical: Taking hands off the wheel.

■ Cognitive: Being “lost in thought.”

Distractions inside the vehicle

Distractions inside the vehicle can include activities such as: using a cell phone, using a GPS, reaching for items, eating and drinking, adjusting the radio, talking to other passengers, and reading maps and other materials. Even when you are watching the road, behaviors such as looking at a crash scene or daydreaming can divert attention from your driving responsibilities. For safety, give the task of driving your full attention at all times.

Illegal driver behaviors in Minnesota

Certain driver behaviors are illegal on Minnesota roads. These include using a cell phone or wireless computer device for text messaging, emailing or accessing the internet while driving, including while  stopped in traffic. Drivers under age 18 with an instruction permit or provisional license are prohibited from using a cell phone, whether handheld or hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency. It is also illegal to wear headphones or earphones in both ears simultaneously to listen to a radio or other sound-producing device.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention, and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)