2 cited for texting while driving

Law enforcement officers cited more than 1,000 drivers statewide — including two motorists in Freeborn County — for texting while driving during a statewide distracted driving enforcement campaign last month.

Deputies and police officers from more than 300 agencies took part in the campaign, which was sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, according to a press release. Overtime funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration allowed the Albert Lea Police Department and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office the opportunity to participate.

“Distracted drivers are moms, teens, dads and friends — good people you see at church, the grocery store and the hockey game,” said Albert Lea police Lt. Jeff Strom. “But the moment their distraction ends another person’s life, they become part of the criminal justice system in a very serious way. The gravity of their choice will forever affect them and the loved ones of the person who is gone. As a driver, please remember what the right choice will get you. You’ll safely arrive at your destination and get another day of life with those important to you.”

In Minnesota, it is illegal for drivers to read, compose or send texts and emails, and access the web while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. This includes sitting at a stoplight or stop sign or stopped in traffic. It also is illegal for drivers with a permit or provisional driver’s license to use a cell phone while driving, except for emergencies to call 911.

In addition to two cited for texting while driving, local law enforcement stopped 253 vehicles for a variety of traffic violations:

• No seatbelt use: 1

• No child restraint: 2

• Speeding: 8

• Driving without a valid license: 26

• Motorcycle violation: 1

• Driving under the influence: 2

• Insurance violations: 12

• Other traffic violations: 10

• Drug offenses: 4

• Possession of alcohol: 2

• Arrest warrants: 3

According to the release, distracted driving contributed to more than 7,000 injuries and 74 deaths in Minnesota in 2015. More than 86,000 crashes were distracted driving-related from 2011-2015, contributing to one in four crashes in the state.

Distracted driving education is a component of Minnesota’s core traffic safety effort, Toward Zero Deaths.