What is distracted driving?

While driving, the driver is engaged in another activity that hinders their ability to drive a moving vehicle safely.

What can you do?

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Follow basic driving regulations and speeding limits.
• As passengers, alert distracted drivers of oncoming traffic and inform them

A Message from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety:

Distracted Driving, a Deadly Choice for Teens

 Twenty percent of fatalities involving teen drivers in Minnesota are distraction-related.

Distracted-related teen driving fatalities and injuries

Year	Fatalities	Serious injuries	Other Injuries
2011	1	38	1,181
2012	3	21	1,242
2013	8	39	1,117
2014	6	24	999
2015	7	25	1,153
Total	25	147	5,592

Make the Safe Choice

• Cell phones — Put the phone down, turn it off or place it out of reach.
• Speak Up – Offer to be the driver’s designated texter.
• Music and other controls — Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.
• Navigation — Map out the destination and enter the GPS route in advance.
• Eating and drinking — Avoid messy foods and secure drinks.
• Children — Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.
• Passengers — Speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road.