MENU
SEARCHDuring this month's crackdown on distracted driving, Minnesota law enforcement agencies are assigning some officers to school buses so they have a better view of drivers texting while driving.
VIDEO: Minnesota Fights Distracted Driving from a Higher Vantage Point
Nearly 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies have added extra patrols for a distracted-driving crackdown that runs April 11-20. Some of those officers are riding in school buses so they have a better vantage point to catch texting drivers in the act.
To view a video report on the unusual enforcement tactic, click on the link or photo above.
The crackdown in Minnesota coincides with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a new federal advertising campaign.
In Minnesota, it’s illegal for drivers to read, compose or send texts and e-mails. Drivers are also prohibited from accessing the Web on a wireless device while the vehicle is in motion or stopped in traffic. Additionally, drivers under age 18 are prohibited from talking on a cell phone.
Minnesota’s “no texting” law was enacted in August 2008, and citations have increased each year:
2009 – 388
2010 – 847
2011 – 1,270
2012 – 1,718
2013 – 2,189
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety (DPS/OTS):
There have been more than 86,000 crashes attributed to distracted driving during 2009-13, translating to 25 percent of all crashes in those five years.
On average, distracted driving accounts for approximately 60 fatalities and 8,000 injuries annually.
In 2013, inattention was the contributing factor in 17,598 crashes (23 percent of all crashes), 68 fatalities and 8,038 injuries.
“It’s a myth to think we can multitask behind the wheel,” said Donna Berger, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “The reality is distractions take our attention away from the important task of driving. It is up to every driver to eliminate distractions and share the road safely and responsibly.”
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
Drivers, supervisors, and data often speak different safety “languages.” Getting on the same page will drive better results.
Read More →
From identity management to third-party certifications, the right technology partner should make security easier to manage. Here are the three building blocks that fleet managers need to stay in control as connected systems scale.
Read More →
Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.
Read More →
As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.
Read More →
What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.
Read More →
Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.
Read More →
While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.
Read More →
