Distracted driving is an activity that diverts a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Distracted driving can have tragically said results says Crookston Police Chief Paul Biermaier, “We’ve got people that have serious injuries and deaths every year simply too distracted driving,” said Biermaier. “Some of them are so sad and tragic including law enforcement. They are caught being distracted with their phones, and a good share of deaths with police officers are from car accidents, and that includes distracted driving.”
One of the typical hot topics for distracted driving is using a cell phone to text or talk while on the phone, which could be part of why both chairmen in the state’s transportation committees in the Senate, Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson), and in the House, Frank Hornstein (D-Minneapolis) introduced bi-partisan ‘hands-free’ cell phone legislation this week similar to laws already on the books in sixteen states and Washington, D.C.
Biermaier believes the experience of most officers around the state would lead them to support the legislation. “I think the majority of the officers across the state are going to believe this is a good deal, a move in the right direction,” said Biermaier. “I can’t speak for any of our guys or anyone else, but I think it’s a really good thing. Especially with today’s technology syncing phones up to the car, aftermarket items like FM transmitters. There are a lot of different safety things we can do, as a simple blue tooth earpiece but I think by and large going hands-free is just an absolute necessity for the safety of everyone on the roads.”
Several other things cause distracted driving resulting in accidents that Biermaier reminds suggests drivers avoid. “Distracted driving comes in so many forms, we all know the common ones, people eating, make-up, shaving, reading,” said Biermaier. “We have so much control over eliminating the common ones even like the radio or waving to some, you take your eyes off the road for a second and a half, and there’s a crash.”
The police department also reminds people to have the following items in your car if you’re driving during the winter, especially with this weekend’s cold forecast.
- Ice Scraper/Brush
- Small Shovel
- Jumper Cables
- Tow Chain
- Sand or Cat Litter (can be used to create tire traction)
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Water
- Food – such as energy bars
- Heavy Boots
- Warm Clothing
The Polk County Toward Zero Death Coalition also reminds residents to be aware of the weather during winter, be gentle on accelerator and brakes to maintain control and if you become stranded – stay calm and stay put.
