Officials have launched a month-long statewide crackdown on distracted driving. Mike Hanson, from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that distracted driving remains a significant issue, resulting in 25 to 30 preventable deaths on Minnesota roads each year. According to Hanson, distracted driving contributed to nearly 30,000 crashes in Minnesota from 2019 to 2023, with many occurring in central and west central Minnesota. Officials urge drivers to refrain from activities such as talking or texting on their phones, eating, drinking, or engaging in conversations with passengers while driving. The goal is to reduce accidents and keep the roads safer for everyone.