Minnesota law enforcement begin monthlong campaign to crack down on distracted driving

Law enforcement officials are launching a monthlong campaign to crack down on distracted driving in Minnesota.

Since 2020, there have been more than 33,183 crashes stemming from distracted driving and 162 fatalities. Last year, there were 21 fatalities related to distracted driving and 159 serious injuries, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

For one official, it's a personal issue. Shakopee Mayor Matt Lehman's daughter-in-law died last November after being seriously injured in a crash months before. 

"Society must see what's happening on our roadways is unacceptable," Lehman said. "Ninety percent of these crashes are completely preventable. Until our legislators, courts and prosecutors start making the crimes and punishments truly fit the outcomes and burdens forever placed on the victims and their families, front-line law enforcement will continue to make a worthy prevention effort to save lives the best they can."

Minnesota has a hands-free driving law, which requires drivers to only use voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone to make calls, text or listen to music. 

"You see it on a regular basis," said Officer Adam Predovich as he searched for distracted drivers. "If you pull up next to a car and see people looking down like this, that's not a normal movement that people would have."

The first offense for driving distracted costs at least $100. If a driver injures or kills someone, it could result in a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.