State Patrol To Unveil Unmarked Cars To Help Against Distracted Driving
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota State Patrol is planning to introduce some new tools that will help keep the roads safer.
On Monday, the department plans to unveil five new unmarked cars that will just focus on stopping distracted drivers, a particular frustration to state troopers.
Since the "texting and driving" law went into effect in 2008, State Patrol reports a dramatic increase in violators.
In the first year of the law, the agency reported 180 violations which grew to nearly 3,500 so far in 2015.
Minnesota State Patrol said the unmarked vehicles will let drivers who text behind the wheel or surf the internet know troopers could be watching at any time.
Officials said the new initiative is designed to save lives.
In 2014, distracted driving contributed to 61 deaths and more than 7,000 injuries on Minnesota roads. In the last three months, the Minnesota State Patrol has investigated at least two deadly crashes where driver distraction was suspected.
Minnesota's "No Texting" law means it's illegal for people to read, send texts and emails and access the web while driving, including while they're sitting at a stoplight or stop sign.
As it stands, distracted drivers face a $50 fine for the first violation. Now, drivers who are caught repeating the offense will also face a $225 fine on top of the $50 fine, bringing the total to $275.
Also, if you injure or kill someone you could face felony charges.
The unmarked trooper vehicles will be assigned to Mankato, Marshall, the east and west metro and Brainerd.