3400 Drivers Ticketed in Minnesota Distracted Driving Crackdown

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St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - A statewide crackdown on distracted driving last month resulted in more than 3400 tickets for hands-free cell phone violations.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says 275 law enforcement agencies across the state participated in the enforcement campaign in April. The Rochester Police Department issued 39 of the citations, while the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office was credited with 6 and the Minnesota State Patrol District headquartered in Rochester ticketed 12 motorists for distracted driving.

“It’s mind-blowing that this many people still don’t get it. Distractions are deadly, plain and simple,” OTS Director Mike Hanson said. “You have one job behind the wheel – and that’s driving. Not eating. Not scrolling through your phone. Not putting on makeup. Pay attention to the road and get yourself and your passengers home safe.”

A news release from the Public Safety Department listed some of the more egregious violations, including a traffic stop in St. Paul where a 39-year-old woman was ticketed after she was caught driving and using her cell phone to participate in a court hearing over Zoom.