Extra distracted driving enforcement next week

Goodhue County law enforcement will have extra patrols out Thursday April 19 to help stop texting and driving. Red Wing, Zumbrota, Cannon Falls and Kenyon police officers, as well as the Goodhue County sheriff’s deputies, will be watchful for distracted drivers.

In Minnesota, it’s illegal for drivers to read, compose or send text or emails while their vehicles are in motion or a part of traffic, such as at a stoplight or stuck in traffic.

Driver distraction accounts for around 20 percent of all crashes annually, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported.

“Your focus behind the wheel is far more important than the text message you are sending or reading behind the wheel,” Zumbrota Officer Rob Jarrett said. “Drivers need to make a serious effort to recognize and limit dangerous and unnecessary distractions, and passengers need to speak up to stop and prevent drivers from texting.”

Tags: goodhue county, crime and courts, news, traffic