Safe Communities of Wright County was one of the first organizations in Minnesota to conduct a public awareness campaign on distracted driving. Distracted or inattentive driving is now a major factor in crashes and accounts for 25% of all crashes annually. We encourage parents to share this article with their driving children. 

 

In 2015 Wright County Public Health completed a survey wherein they asked what are the top five health issues facing Wright County. Distracted driving was number one at 78.4%. The survey also reported that 43.2% of adults read or sent texts while driving, 83.9% used the phone and 45.3% admitted eating, putting on makeup, shaving or other activities. Those are not good numbers. 

 

The use of a cell phone while driving quadruples your chances of being in a crash. 

 

It is illegal in Minnesota to use a cell phone or wireless computer device for text messaging, e-mailing or accessing the Internet even if stopped in traffic. It is even illegal to read electronic messages. It is a primary violation which means law enforcement can stop and issue a ticket solely on basis of observing someone texting. 

 

Texting is a factor in hundreds of thousands of vehicle crashes a year. Tasks that take your eyes off the road pose the biggest risk for crashes. The average text is 3.5 seconds. At 55 mph your car travels 88 feet in one second. 

 

Multi-tasking is alright for the home or office but should not take place in a car while driving. 

 

Safe Communities of Wright County mission is to reduce traffic crashes in the Wright County area in order to minimize injuries and fatalities. Stay safe. Be smart. Put the odds back in your favor. Give driving your full attention and buckle-up.