Push to combat distracted driving

(ABC 6 News) – Law enforcement across the state will be on the lookout for distracted driving all of next month.

From 2017 to 2021, distracted driving contributed to more than 39,000 crashes, as well as an average of 28 deaths and 161 serious injuries per year, the DPS says.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reminds people that the state’s hands-free cellphone law means drivers can’t hold a phone while driving — only single-touch or voice commands are allowed and violations can cost hundreds of dollars in fines.

David Reich, Public Relations Director for The National Road Safety Foundation went in-depth with Betsy Singer about the key factors in distracted driver-related deaths.