Senator David Osmek [R-Mound] will be introducing a bill during the 2019 Minnesota legislative session to make the penalty for operating a motor vehicle while using an electronic device and causing an accident equal to current penalties for DUIs. The legislation includes an exemption for using devices with a hands-free setting and pertains only to accidents that result in bodily harm or death.

“Current state law already penalizes individuals who drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol and cause a serious accident,” said Senator Osmek. “Yet, as recent statistics show, one in five accidents in Minnesota were due to distracted driving. It’s time we treat this issue as seriously as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Over the last five years (2013-2017) in Minnesota, distracted or inattentive driving resulted in an average of 53 deaths and 216 serious injuries each year. The Department of Traffic Safety Office estimates these numbers are underreported due to law enforcement’s challenge in determining distraction as a crash factor. In 2015, 74 individuals were killed on Minnesota roads due to distracted driving, while there were 95 fatalities due to drunk-driving.

Rather than banning the use of cell phones while driving, Senator Osmek’s bill focuses on holding drivers accountable and providing penalties for drivers who are risking lives by their actions.

“Distracted driving is a serious problem that is taking lives in our state, especially our youth,” added Senator Osmek. “The bottom line is if you cause someone great bodily harm or death because of your actions, the penalty should fit the level of damage you have caused to other lives.”