Question: I know the distracted driving law has been around for a while now, but can you please talk about it some more?

Answer: Driver distraction or inattention is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25 percent of all crashes annually. Distracted drivers fail to recognize potential hazards on the road and react more slowly to traffic conditions, decreasing their margin of safety.

Types of driver distraction:

■ Visual: Looking away from the road.

■ Mechanical/physical: Taking hands off the wheel.

■ Cognitive: Being “lost in thought.”

Distractions inside the vehicle

Distractions inside the vehicle can include activities such as: using a cell phone, using a GPS, reaching for items, eating and drinking, adjusting the radio, talking to other passengers, a

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