Distracted Drivers Under Extra Scrutiny Tomorrow

As you probably know, it's illegal to drive while texting, reading or emailing in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says tomorrow, nearly 400 agencies will step up patrols in order to ticket drivers who are using their cellphones in these way while behind the wheel.

They'll be watching for telltale signs, most specifically erratic driving, and ticketing offenders.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety also reminds you that it's illegal to text and use the internet while stopped in traffic, and against the law to use a cell phone while driving at all if you're under 18.

Driver distraction is a leading crash factor in the state of Minnesota, and accounts for around 20 percent of all crashes annually. This adds up to 350 injuries, and 70 deaths on average.