Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Martin Moylan

Minnesota cops nab hundreds of texting drivers

Distracted driving
More than 300 agencies took part in a campaign against texting and driving, which resulted in almost 1,000 drivers getting tickets.
LM Otero | AP 2013

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Nearly 1,000 Minnesota drivers got tickets during a police crackdown earlier this month on texting while driving.

More than 300 agencies took part in the anti-texting campaign. State law forbids drivers to read, compose or send texts and e-mails, or go online while their vehicle is in motion or stopped in traffic. But many people ignore the law.

"We had a trooper try to stop a texting driver for two miles before the driver actually pulled over," said Donna Berger, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety. "They weren't fleeing. They were just so distracted from their texting."

Last year, texting and other forms of distracted driving contributed to 74 deaths in Minnesota.

"Unfortunately, I believe many people have an addiction to their phone and multi-tasking behind the wheel and believe that they can do it safely," Berger said.

There's a $50 fine for first-time texting offenders. Subsequent violations cost $275.