On Friday, Minnesota police and state troopers began their monthlong push to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and issue warnings and tickets to violators. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month, when Minnesota and several other states look to crack down on distracted driving.

Under state law, drivers are prohibited from holding a phone. They can use devices that respond to voice commands or a single touch to activate to:

However, the law makes it illegal to use the internet, post on social media, stream video or read or write an email while behind the wheel. The first time a driver is caught breaking the law he or she will be fined $100. Subsequent offenses carry a $300 fine plus court costs.

The hands-free law passed in 2019 and it may have contributed to a decline in distracted driving deaths. In 2021, the number of deaths and serious injuries from distracted driving crashes hit a four-year low — There were 26 distracted driving deaths and 101 serious injuries.

All month long there will be public service announcements sent out on TV and social media and posted on billboards. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is speaking at a virtual press conference for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The goal of the press conference is to highlight law enforcement strategies for holding distracted drivers accountable and prevent this dangerous behavior.

In previous years, law enforcement efforts only lasted a few days or weeks, but this year it will last the entire month.

Enforcement and education campaigns have been proven to change behavior, according to Mike Hanson, director of Minnesota’s Office of Traffic Safety. Distracted driving crashes still make up about one in nine crashes in the state.

Campaigns like Distracted Driving Awareness month are also necessary because drivers keep coming up with strategies for breaking the law. For example, drivers may hide phones behind gloves, lean them against the steering wheel or put them on their lap.

Injured in a Crash? Call TSR Injury Law

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car crash that involved distracted driving, give our firm a call today. There are no upfront fees and no obligation to hire our firm after your initial legal consultation.

Our Bloomington vehicle accident lawyers have secured millions on behalf of crash victims in Minnesota and are ready to help you during this challenging time. We do not get paid unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Give our firm a call today for assistance. (612) TSR-TIME