The Real Dangers of Texting and Driving in Minnesota

The Growing Threat: By the Numbers

The statistics surrounding texting and driving paint a sobering picture. Every year, thousands of Americans are seriously injured and killed in accidents caused by distracted driving. In 2023 alone, 3,275 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. That’s nearly 9 victims every single day. The rates for injuries are even higher.

Looking at that statistic another way, at least 14% of all fatal car crashes are known to involve distracted drivers who were using their phones. In reality, the actual figure is probably even higher. This is because in many cases, it’s difficult to know after the fact whether someone was texting and driving.

Despite the serious risks of this bad habit, it doesn’t seem to be going away. In 2024, 47% of all drivers admitted to sending or reading a text message while driving, marking a sharp increase from 31% three years earlier. This means that in just a few years, we went from about a third of all drivers using their phones behind the wheel to nearly half.

Here in Minnesota, the problem hits especially close to home. Distracted or inattentive driving is a factor in one in four crashes in Minnesota, resulting in at least 70 deaths and 350 serious injuries per year.

The Science Behind the Risks

On average, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. Is it any wonder that’s a risky maneuver?

While many drivers believe they can safely multitask behind the wheel, science proves otherwise. MRI brain scans done during driving simulations show that when a driver is texting, the area of the brain that controls visual and spatial awareness is reduced by 37%.

This is partially explained by the fact that texting creates three distinct forms of distraction:

1. Visual distraction: Taking your eyes off the road.
2. Manual distraction: Taking your hands off the steering wheel.
3. Cognitive distraction: Taking your mind off driving.
   

That adds up to a recipe for disaster. Based on this, it’s no wonder that drivers who send or read text messages while on the road are at least 23 times more likely to have an accident.

Minnesota's Texting and Driving Laws

Minnesota doesn't take texting and driving lightly. Our state has some of the toughest distracted driving laws in the country, and the penalties are getting more severe every year.

What's Illegal Under Minnesota Law

Minnesota's hands-free law prohibits all motorists from using a cell phone while driving unless it's in voice-activated or hands-free mode. All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving, which includes accessing the Internet or other data on a device. This prohibition applies when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. Yes, even sitting at a stoplight counts.

Penalties

If a driver violates Minnesota’s hands-free law, the first violation results in a $50 base fine (around $135 with surcharges). This base fine increases to $275 for any subsequent violations (about $360 with surcharges included). The consequences don’t end there, however:

• A cell phone violation may increase insurance premiums.
• If a driver injures or kills someone while violating Minnesota's distracted driving law, they can face felony charges for criminal vehicular operation or homicide, license suspension, and/or jail time.

Why "Hands-Free" Isn't Risk-Free

Many drivers believe that using voice-to-text or Bluetooth makes texting safe. While this is allowed under Minnesota law, research shows these methods are still not risk-free. One study found that being on a voice call results in 18% slower reaction times and a 27% increase in the chances of a crash compared to normal driving conditions.

This is most likely caused by cognitive distraction, which is still dangerous even when your hands are technically free. Your brain simply cannot effectively multitask when driving requires your full attention.

Protecting Yourself and Others on the Road

While you don’t have power over what other drivers do, everyone has the power to make Minnesota’s roads a little safer. Here are practical steps that can help save lives.

Safe Driving Habits to Build

• Turn your phone off or put it in airplane mode. This eliminates the temptation entirely.
• Consider placing your phone completely out of reach in the glove compartment, back seat, or trunk.
• Set up an automatic response that tells people you're driving and will respond when you arrive safely.
• Plan your route and program your GPS before you start the car. Never try to enter directions while driving.
• Designate a passenger (if possible) to handle all calls, texts, and navigation if you're not driving alone.
• Use technology. Many smartphones have "Do Not Disturb While Driving" modes that automatically activate when a vehicle starts moving.
• Pull over safely if you absolutely must use your phone. Find a parking lot or other safe location completely off the road.
• Follow the law. Remember that Minnesota’s hands-free driving law applies even when stopped. Checking your phone at a red light or in stopped traffic is still illegal.
  

For Parents: Leading by Example

Teen drivers are at high risk for texting and driving. If you want your teen to drive safely, you must model safe behavior yourself.

• Never use your phone while driving, even hands-free, when your teen is in the car.
• Have honest conversations about the real-world consequences of distracted driving.
• Consider apps and technology that disable phone functions while driving for new drivers.
• Make consequences clear and consistent for any use of the phone when your teen is driving.
• Praise good behavior when you see your teen making safe choices.
  

Creating a Culture of Safety

We all share the road and have a responsibility to make it safer.

• Speak up as a passenger if a driver is using their phone.
• Don't text or call people when you know they're driving.
• Support stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws in your community.
• Share your own commitment to phone-free driving with friends and family.

Texting and Driving: A Growing Problem on Minnesota Roads

The research is clear, the laws are strict, and the consequences are severe. Yet nearly half of all drivers continue to text behind the wheel. Here's what it comes down to: If you wouldn't drive drunk, why would you drive distracted?

Every time you get behind the wheel, you have the power to prevent tragedy. Put the phone down, focus on the road, and arrive safely. Your text messages can wait. Someone's life might depend on it.

When You Need Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you don't have to face the insurance companies alone. At SiebenCarey, we understand what you're going through, and we know how to build strong cases against negligent drivers.

We can help you seek compensation for all medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact on your family's future. Minnesota law is on your side when you're the victim of a distracted driver.