April was distracted driving prevention month, and to bring attention to this growing problem in Sherburne County and across Minnesota, last week Sherburne County area law enforcement and the County Attorney’s Office held a news conference to announce their distracted driving prevention call to action plan. 

 

 “Distracted driving has had a huge impact on our community,” said Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott. “Across the state there are repeated tragedies due to unnecessary behaviors that are 100% preventable.”

 

“As a community we can’t stand by and do absolutely nothing. Everyone needs to take a personal stance and work together.”

 

Brott stated Sherburne County would be assigning more officers to the streets for distracted driving special enforcement waves. Agencies participating include the MN State Patrol, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, and Becker, Big Lake and Elk River Police Depts. 

 

Additional enforcement shifts have occurred since January and will continue throughout the year, with increased monthly shifts during the spring, summer and fall.

 

“Lives can change in a split second,” said Brott. “The Maurer family, who is here with us today, is a testament to the fact that it can happen to anyone.”

 

“Distracted driving also has an economic impact,” said county attorney Kathleen Heaney. “In 2010 the cost to our nation [from distracted driving] was $123 billion. When we look at statistics what we forget is that each number is a person. A number can never quantify the loss of a loved one; the impact on our communities and our families.”

 

Heaney introduced Rhonda Maurer, Chuck Maurer’s niece, who told the audience how distracted driving had cost her uncle and his daughter, Cassy, their lives. It was the first time the Maurer family had spoken out on the tragedy that happened on July 21, 2015. Heaney informed the audience the family asked to be left alone after the conference that day.

 

Maurer said her family has suffered pain, loss, anger, frustration and confusion. 

 

“Their lives were stolen,” she said. “Their futures taken away for a message on Facebook.”

 

As a result, and in memory of them, Maurer has started both a website and a Facebook page called Minnesotans Fighting Distracted Driving.

 

“Driving is a privilege, not a right,” she said. “It’s your responsibility, we’re counting on you. Please remember them [Chuck and Cassy] the next time you feel you have to text while you’re driving. If attitudes and behaviors don’t change, it can easily happen to you next.”

 

Maurer called on everyone to be a part of the solution, stating there are too many lives being lost or stolen, and it was time to give a voice to those who are gone by changing distracted driving laws and penalties.

 

She concluded by thanking everyone in advance for making the roads safer one drive at a time.

 

Following her statement, police officers from Big Lake, Becker, Elk River and Sherburne County, along with members of the State Highway Patrol, shook hands with the Maurer family and offered words of consolation and commendation.

 

In conjunction with the Sherburne County news conference, Becker High School held a safe driving presentation in which area law enforcement were invited to speak.

 

The statistics on distracted driving are alarming. In Sherburne County, distracted driving has accounted for 2,849 (25%) of the 11,380 reported car crashes, 12 (13%) traffic deaths, and 43 (22%) incapacitating injuries since 2005. Statewide in 2013 and 2014, distracted driving was known to have contributed to 17% of fatalities.

 

Distracted driving includes things such as interaction with passengers, cell phone handling and conversations, texting, eating and drinking.

 

It is illegal for drivers of any age to access the internet or compose, read or send electronic messages on a wireless device when their vehicle is moving or a part of traffic. This includes being stopped in traffic or at a red light. 

 

It is also illegal for drivers under the age of 18 to use a cell phone, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, except in the case of an emergency to call 911.

 

Distracted drivers can be ticketed for reckless or careless driving when their actions demonstrate a disregard for the safety or rights of others.