Extra Patrols in Minnesota throughout April to Curb Distracted Driving

ST. PAUL (KDLM) – Law enforcement agencies across the state will have extra enforcement on the roads throughout the month of April.

Law enforcement agencies statewide are participating in a distracted driving enforcement campaign in support of the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety initiative.

In Minnesota, distracted driving contributed to more than 39,000 crashes from 2017-2021 and an average of 28 deaths and 161 serious, life-changing injuries a year on the road.

“It doesn’t take much for the life story of a distracted driver to end, just like that, or end the life stories of other people on the road,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “It can end the second they text with the phone in their hand, are lost in thought and not focused on driving, or take their eyes off the road to reach for something. Park the phone, avoid distractions and pay attention. That’s the way to drive smart and keep yourself and others safe and alive.”

Fines for distracted driving range from $100 to $300 per offense.