Common Forms of Distracted Driving in Minnesota

 

Distracted driving is a serious issue affecting thousands of people in Minnesota yearly. From checking social media to eating while driving, many forms of distracted driving can lead to accidents and fatalities.

 

Here, you can learn more about Minnesota's most common forms of distracted driving, the risks they pose, and ways to prevent them.

What is Distracted Driving?

Any activity that takes your attention away from driving is a distraction. This can include visual, manual, or cognitive distractions. Some common examples of distracted driving include:

 

●      Using a cell phone to talk, text, or check social media

●      Eating, drinking, or smoking

●      Grooming, applying makeup, or adjusting clothing

●      Reading or using a navigation system

●      Talking to passengers or attending to children or pets in the vehicle

●      Daydreaming or being lost in thought

 

Each of these activities can distract a driver and reduce their ability to react to hazards on the road. Even a momentary distraction can have serious consequences.

Common Forms of Distracted Driving in Minnesota

While distracted driving can take many forms, some of the most common actions that lead to accidents are described here.

Cellphone Use

Cellphone use is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. According to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, distracted driving contributed to 25% of all crashes in Minnesota in 2020, and cellphone use was a factor in 10% of all fatal crashes. When drivers use their phones to talk, text, or check social media, they take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their minds off driving.

Eating and Drinking

Eating and drinking while driving is another common form of distracted driving. Grabbing a quick snack or drink on the go can be tempting, but doing so can be dangerous. Taking your hands off the wheel to unwrap a burger or open a bottle can reduce your control of the vehicle, and spilled food or drink can be a distraction.

Grooming and Applying Makeup

Grooming and applying makeup while driving is another form of distracted driving that can be dangerous. Drivers who apply makeup, brush their hair or shave while driving take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road, increasing the risk of accidents.

Reading or Using Navigation Systems

Reading a book or using a navigation system while driving can be distracting. Drivers who take their eyes off the road to read a map or check directions can miss important cues and hazards. This can be especially dangerous in unfamiliar areas or during inclement weather.

Talking to Passengers or Attending to Children or Pets

Talking to passengers, attending to children or pets in the vehicle, and even listening to loud music can also distract drivers. Passengers can be a source of conversation, but they can also be a source of distraction. Drivers who turn around to talk to passengers or attend to children or pets take their eyes off the road and increase the risk of accidents.

Risks of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can have serious consequences. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, distracted driving contributed to 59 deaths and over 8,000 crashes in Minnesota in 2020.

 

When a driver is distracted, their ability to react to hazards on the road is reduced, increasing the risk of accidents. Even a momentary distraction can lead to devastating consequences.

Prevention of Distracted Driving

There are many ways to prevent distracted driving. Some of the most effective ways to do this include the following:

●      Put your phone away: The easiest way to avoid cellphone-related distractions is to put your phone away while driving. Consider turning it off or putting it in a location that's out of reach.

●      Plan: If you know you'll be hungry or thirsty during your drive, plan and bring snacks or drinks with you. Avoid eating or drinking while driving.

●      Prepare before you go: Take care of personal grooming, such as applying makeup or brushing hair, before leaving home. This will reduce the need to do so while driving.

●      Use voice commands or hands-free devices: If you need to make a phone call or send a text, use voice commands or a hands-free device instead of holding your phone.

●      Pull over if necessary: If you need to attend to children or pets in the vehicle or adjust your GPS, pull over to a safe location before doing so.

Enforcement of Distracted Driving Laws in Minnesota

Minnesota has laws in place to discourage distracted driving. The state's primary law prohibits drivers from texting or using a handheld cell phone while driving. This means that law enforcement can pull over drivers solely for violating these laws without requiring another violation to be present.

 

Minnesota also has a secondary law that prohibits drivers from engaging in any activity that distracts them from driving, such as eating or applying makeup. However, a driver can only be cited for violating this law if pulled over for another violation.

 

Law enforcement agencies in Minnesota are taking steps to enforce distracted driving laws. In 2020, the Minnesota State Patrol conducted over 9,000 distracted driving enforcement stops, resulting in over 2,000 citations.

Get Help Filing a Claim if You Are in an Accident with a Distracted Driver

Distracted driving is a serious issue affecting all Minnesota drivers' safety. By understanding the most common forms of distracted driving and taking steps to prevent them, we can reduce the number of accidents and fatalities caused by distracted driving.

 

You have rights if you are in an accident with a distracted driver. One right is to pursue compensation. It is best to seek representation from car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected and that you recover the full compensation you are entitled to.