DPS: 909 Cited For Texting & Driving Last Week

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says more than 900 drivers were cited for distracted driver during their six-day enforcement period last week.

Officials say 909 people were pulled over and ticketed between April 13 and April 18 for texting and driving in the state -- 359 more than in last year's 10-day enforcement period.

The DPS also cited drivers for other distracting activities. A 66-year-old man was ticketed for swerving due to reading a paper while driving, and a 38-year-old man was stopped for swerving and steering with his knees while working on a long-form math problem.

"From texting and driving citations to other distractions, the distracted driving campaign reveals an alarming number of people who are putting themselves and others in harm's way," Office of Traffic Safety director Donna Berger said.

It is illegal in Minnesota to access the Internet or send, read or write text messages and emails behind the wheel -- even while stopped in traffic or waiting at a red light.

Citations for texting while driving have almost quadrupled between 2010 and 2014.