The Minnesota State Patrol this week unveiled its new fleet of unmarked squad cars that will assist in targeting distracted driving.
In a media event in Golden Valley Monday, Col. Matt Langer of the Minnesota State Patrol shared information about the squads and their mission.
He said in 2014, driver inattention contributed to 61 deaths and more than 7,000 injuries on Minnesota roads. In the last three months, the Minnesota State Patrol has investigated at least two deadly crashes where driver distraction was suspected.
Since the “texting and driving” law went into effect in 2008, Langer said the State Patrol has seen a dramatic increase in drivers stopped because of the behavior, from 180 in the first year of the law to 3,467 so far in 2015.
“By using unmarked vehicles, motorists who text and drive will know troopers could be watching at any time, even if that driver doesn’t see a marked State Patrol vehicle,” Langer said.
The troopers driving the unmarked vehicles will be assigned to Mankato, Marshall, the east and west metro areas of the Twin Cities and Brainerd.
The unmarked squad in the Marshall District has been assigned to Trooper Kenny Willers who works primarily in Rock and Nobles counties.
Lt. Matt Sorenson of the Marshall District said the unmarked squad will be a useful tool for Troopers.
“Distracted driving is a major hazard for all motorists,” Sorenson said. “We’re hoping the unmarked squads can help us target dangerous drivers and create safer travel conditions for everyone.”
At Monday’s event, Col. Langer also shared the following data on distracted driving.
•From 2012 to 2014 in Minnesota, distracted driving was a factor in one out of every four traffic crashes, resulting in an average of 60 deaths and 7,900 injuries per year.
•Over the last five years in Minnesota (2010-2014), 19 percent of all traffic fatalities and serious injuries were distraction-related.
•If you injure or kill someone because of texting and driving, you can face a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.
•With Minnesota’s “no texting” law, it’s illegal for drivers to read, send texts and emails, and access the web while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. That includes sitting at a stoplight or stop sign.
•Under the enhanced state texting law, drivers face a $225 fine for second and subsequent violations of the texting while driving law, in addition to the current $50 fine.