MN police: Drivers need to break cell phone habit

Law enforcement agencies are still trying to get the message through about the dangers and costs that stem from distracted driving.

A Minnesota police chief is echoing calls for people to realize that a text message can wait.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and a couple of our own I Falls Police Officers came over to talk a little about it.

This year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rolled out its “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign in hopes of convincing drivers to resist looking at their cell phones when behind the wheel.

Over in Winona, Police Chief Tom Williams said he feels this is still a pervasive issue.

Williams encouraged drivers to seek out safe spaces to pull over — like a well-lit parking lot — to answer a text or email, if it’s urgent.

Along some roadways around the country, transportation departments have added texting zones, similar to areas for a stalled vehicle.

Like most states, Minnesota has laws that require hands-free cell phone use when driving.

Car technology has improved to keep motorists connected while still paying attention to the road. But Chief Tom Williams of Winona said many models out there are not equipped with those amenities.

Analysts say some newer cars have too many technological bells and whistles that can overwhelm a driver, even if they’re hands-free. They say things like collision warning features might be making drivers too reliant on those aids, diminishing their safety instincts.

Federal officials estimate distracted driving costs Americans $129 billion each year due to property damage, medical expenses and legal fees.