ST. PAUL, Minn. – (July 31, 2015) – Drivers who repeatedly choose texting over safety while behind the wheel risk a higher fine for violating the law beginning Saturday. Under the enhanced law, drivers face a $275 fine for second and subsequent violations of the texting while driving law, up from $50 for their first infraction.
In Minnesota, it is illegal for drivers to read, compose or send texts and emails, and access the web while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. That includes sitting at a stoplight or stop sign. It is also illegal for drivers with a permit or provisional driver’s license to use a cell phone while driving, except for emergencies to call 911.
“We all see it — drivers looking at their phones, drifting out of their lane, not moving when the light turns green, and seemingly oblivious to the dangers they present to themselves and others,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mona Dohman. “The higher penalty is designed to make motorists think twice about looking at email, texts and online activity on their phones and risk getting ticketed, or far worse, causing a crash.”
Disturbing Data on Distracted Driving
- Over the last five years in Minnesota (2010-2014), 19 percent of all traffic fatalities and serious injuries were distraction-related.
- Driver inattention or distraction was the number one contributing factor in multiple vehicle crashes in 2014.
- In 2014, driver inattention or distraction contributed to 61 deaths and more than seven thousand injuries on Minnesota roads.
“We all value the freedom and privilege of driving but we also value our lives,” said Sen. Jim Carlson, author of the bill. “The privilege of driving comes with tremendous responsibility. The law we passed is designed to help keep us safe when drivers choose to focus on their phones and not the road. While the law is specific to phones, we also want to remind Minnesotans that any kind of distraction is a potential danger — pay attention.”
“Texting and driving is a problem statewide, and getting this legislation approved was a bi-partisan effort to help change a behavior that affects us all,” said Rep. Frank Hornstein, author of the bill. “The emotional testimony we heard, the statistics and the stories of those tragically impacted by distracted driving cannot be ignored. We are sending a strong message today – texting while driving puts lives at risk and those who do this will face stiffer consequences.”
Texting-While-Driving Citations on the Rise:
Since the texting law went into effect in 2010, citations have gone up 278 percent.
- 2010 – 847
- 2011 – 1,270
- 2012 – 1,718
- 2013 – 2,189
- 2014 – 3,200
Make the Right Choice
- Cell phones — Put the phone down, turn it off or place it out of reach.
- Music and other controls — Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.
- Navigation — Map out the destination and enter the GPS route in advance.
- Eating and drinking — Avoid messy foods and secure drinks.
- Children — Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.
- Passengers — Speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road.
