Ramsey Co. to crackdown on texting and driving

The Ramsey County Sheriff's office is launching a two-day crackdown on drivers who email or text with mobile phones while they're on the road.

The Sheriff's office says fifty deputies will be on patrol across the county Thursday and Friday, on the lookout for people typing behind the wheel. Thursday, they'll pull people over and warn them. Tomorrow, they'll hand out citations with fines of up to $131.

Holli Drinkwine, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said texting and driving is a serious problem.

"A lot of people don't know that texting and driving is the equivalent of having four beers, as far as how impaired you are while doing this," she said. "We want people to know that texting is equally as dangerous."

Deputies are also visiting local schools to remind students that they face even stiffer restrictions. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to text or use a cell phone while behind the wheel.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.