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City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police ‘Focus In’ on distracted driving
Edina, Minn., Aug. 8, 2015 – As a part of the 2015 “Focus In” campaign, Edina patrol officers will focus
efforts on distracted driving and texting/use of phone while driving during the month of September.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, of the 387 fatalities on Minnesota roadways in 2013,
68 were found to be related to distracted driving.
“All distracted driving accidents can be avoided,” said Sgt. Nate Mendel. “Every driver is responsible for his or
her vehicle. There are enough potential hazards on the roads that people don’t need to add any more like
texting or putting on makeup while driving.”
According to Minnesota law, drivers are prohibited from using a wireless communication device to compose,
read or send an electronic message when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic. Additionally, drivers
cannot use their device for sending emails or viewing web pages.
“A driver’s attention should be focused on operating their vehicle in a safe manner at all times,” said Mendel.
The violations the Police Department “Focus In” on have seasonal relevance, affect the quality of life in Edina
or pose safety risks to residents. All statutes are enforced year-round, but additional attention is paid to the
focus of the month.
Each month, patrol officers focus police efforts on a specific statutory violation in order to educate the public
and gain compliance. Education includes a warning to those who violate the statutes or codes. In extenuating
circumstances, a citation may be issued. Last September, 53 verbal or written warnings were given out.
Police have already focused on obstructed vision, failure to signal, unsafe equipment, failure to display
headlights, bike safety, following too close, pedestrian safety and child and seatbelt safety. In the coming
months, police will “Focus In” on speeding in school zones, night and snow parking, and the “move over” law.
For more information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.
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