Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of serious accidents across Minnesota. Most people associate the term with someone scrolling through their phone at the wheel. However, Minnesota law recognizes distracted driving in ways that extend well beyond phone use. Here are five forms of driver distraction that many drivers never anticipate.
Using a hands-free device
Hands-free devices may feel like a responsible alternative, but they continue to distract the mind in significant ways. Cognitive distraction occurs when the brain divides its attention between an ongoing conversation and the demands of the road. Minnesota law prohibits holding a phone while driving. Despite that allowance for hands-free use, it can still serve as compelling evidence of distraction in a civil lawsuit against you.
Using your phone at a red light
Many drivers believe that stopping at a red light makes phone use acceptable. Minnesota law bans using a wireless device any time a vehicle is part of moving traffic. That includes when stopped at a light. Phone records can show when a driver used the device, and that evidence can work against you if a crash happens right after a light turns green.
Eating or drinking while driving
Minnesota does not have a specific law prohibiting eating while driving. However, all Minnesota drivers carry a legal duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. Briefly removing your hands from the wheel to handle food can still constitute evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim. The same applies when your eyes leave the road, even for a brief moment.
Adjusting in-car technology
Changing GPS settings or switching radio stations may feel like a routine part of driving. Despite that familiarity, these actions redirect your full attention away from the road for a period of time. Courts can treat even a momentary lapse in focus as a contributing factor when determining liability following an accident.
Talking to passengers
Passenger conversations can distract a driver just as much as a phone call. Turning to face a passenger or getting caught up in an intense discussion lowers your awareness of the road. In a personal injury case, the court can raise this type of distraction as evidence of negligence.
Avoiding hidden distractions
Distracted driving is not always obvious. Many risky habits feel completely normal behind the wheel. Even small distractions can reduce your reaction time, increasing the risk of car accidents. Recognizing these less visible dangers can help you make safer choices every time you drive.