Holidays are one of the busiest times to be on the road, but unfortunately the Fourth of July is also one of the deadliest days to be on the road (per National Security Council). We want everyone to stay safe, so we put together an overview of Minnesota’s distracted driving law and guidelines for safe driving.

Whether you’re a local or visiting, drivers on Minnesota roads should be aware of the state’s Hands-Free Law. The law states that a driver can use their phone to make calls, text, listen to music, or get directions only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the device; it also prohibits using your phone for video chats, live streaming, gaming, using non-navigation apps, and scrolling through the phone. In emergency situations, as in an immediate threat to life and safety, the driver is allowed to hold their phone.

Important safe driving tips include:

  • Maintain proper following distance. Whether you’re in a long line of vehicles or only have a few others on the road with you, giving yourself proper space between other cars can be a lifesaver. If you don’t give yourself enough distance and time to brake, then you could rear-end the car in front of you. Try to leave 3 or more seconds following distance.
  • Avoid aggressive driving. Driving too close to the car ahead of you, making rude gestures at other drivers, cutting off other drivers, or refusing to let someone pass you can all be categorized as aggressive driving. This makes the road dangerous for everyone around in the event a crash happens, so you should be a courteous driver on the road to avoid that type of danger.
  • Pass in the left lane. Follow road rules and always pass slower cars in the left lane. If you are traveling in the left lane and a car comes up behind you, clearly going faster than you, then move over right into the slower lane to let them pass you.
  • Watch your speed. Always know the speed limit of the roads you are traveling on and do not speed too much. Speeding puts you and others in danger, and it could also cause you to be pulled over. It’s also important to follow the flow of traffic, so if the left lane is going too fast for your comfort, then you should move into the right lane.
  • Do not drive under the influence. Even one glass of alcohol can affect your driving ability and show up on a breathalyzer. If you have been drinking, wait a couple hours for the alcohol to get out of your system or have a designated driver. The 4th of July weekend can be especially dangerous because drivers do not take this seriously after partying with friends and family.

 

If you or a friend are involved in an accident, Superior Collision Center can help you get back on the road in no time. We hope you have a safe holiday weekend!