Throughout the month of April, Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the EPPD will have specific shifts where officers are solely looking for distracted drivers.

Unfortunately, distracted driving continues to be a problem in our state and community. According to preliminary numbers from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, last year 21 drivers died in crashes related to distracted driving and 159 were seriously injured. Last year in Eden Prairie, 209 people were cited for using a phone while driving.

During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the EPPD would like to remind motorists that it is illegal to have your phone in your hand while you’re driving. This includes when you are sitting at a stoplight, stop sign or in traffic.

The first ticket for distracted driving is more than $120, which includes the fine plus court fees. The second and later tickets are more than $300, which includes the fine plus court fees. If you injure or kill someone because of texting and driving, you can face a felony charge of criminal vehicular operation or homicide.

If you text while driving, on average, you take your eyes off the road for up to 4.6 out of every six seconds. That’s like traveling the length of a football field at 55mph hours without looking up.

Here are a few tips for driving distraction-free:

• Cell phones: Park the phone by putting it down, activating the “Do Not Disturb” feature, silencing notifications, turning it off, placing it out of reach or going hands-free.
• Music and other controls: Pre-program radio stations and arrange music in an easy-to-access spot. Adjust mirrors and ventilation before traveling.
• Navigation: Map out the destination and enter the GPS route in advance.
• Eating and drinking: Avoid messy foods and secure drinks.
• Children: Teach children the importance of good behavior in a vehicle and model proper driving behavior.
• Passengers: Speak up to stop drivers from distracted driving behavior and offer to help with anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road.