New aim at distracted driving

Being a former first grade teacher herself for many years, Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, was devastated when she heard the news that Blooming Prairie first grade teacher Rachel Harberts was killed in a car crash on her way to classes. 
And what made it sting even more for Bennett was the fact that the driver responsible for the crash was allegedly distracted with his cellphone. 
“That really hit me close to my heart,” said Bennett. “They were just on their way to school.”
Bennett is on a crusade to stop what she sees as senseless deaths on our roadways from people involved in distracted driving, mainly with their cell phones. Last week, she, along with several other state lawmakers, introduced hands-free legislation that would ban cell phone use without a hands-free device and increase penalties for texting while driving. 
During a news conference at the State Capitol last week, Bennett used the Harberts crash to illustrate the need for changes with distracted driving. “That’s the perfect example of why we are doing this bill,” Bennett said of the Harberts tragedy. “It’s so tragic.”
Bennett admits she’s not one to overregulate with more laws from government. But, she said, the time has come for lawmakers to intervene with advances in technology. 
“It has become an epidemic,” said Bennett, who is the lead Republican co-author. “I think it’s high time, and the right thing to do.”
Bennett, who represents District 27A, including Blooming Prairie and southern Dodge County, feels distracted driving should be treated “the same as drinking and driving.” In fact, she said, “This is worse. Your eyes are totally off the road (with distracted driving).”
Leaders in both the Senate and House have authored hands-free bills. Hearings are planned for this month yet, and the lawmakers hope for floor votes as early as next month. Bennett said if the legislation is passed early in the session, it could likely become law as early as August. 
Bennett said the hands-free legislation has bipartisan support, and she thinks there is a very good chance it will get passed. “We want you to get your hands off your phone and keep your eyes on the road,” she said. 
The Department of Public Safety between 2013 and 2017, distracted driving contributed to 20 percent of Minnesota crashes, killing 53 people every year on average. Citations for texting rose from 1,707 in 2012 to 7,357 in 2017. 
“There’s really a slaughter on the highways in Minnesota,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park. 
Added Bennett, “The goal is to get people’s eyes on the road.”
Measures to require hands-free devices when using a cellphone while driving have stalled in recent years.