This morning an upset woman called our radio show to vent about a person who was texting and driving and almost ran her off the road. Texting and driving is very dangerous and is against the law in Minnesota. The woman pleaded with people to pull over to the side of the road if they were going to be using their phones, but did you know you can get ticketed for doing that too?

According to Sgt. Troy Christianson from the Minnesota State Patrol,  "Minnesota law does not allow motorists to stop on a roadway unless it is for an emergency. Instances like this prevent us from utilizing our resources as efficiently as possible because our dispatch center may receive numerous calls reporting an occupied stalled vehicle. A Trooper would then be sent to the reported location to either find someone talking on their phone or no longer at the site."

But will you really get a ticket for checking your phone on the side of the road?  Christianson said citations have been issued for non-emergency stops. He urged motorists to avoid pulling over to the shoulder and encouraged drivers to find a parking lot or legal parking zone instead before using their phones.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says "more than 50,000 crashes were distracted driving-related between 2015-2019." Nearly 1 in 5 crashes is caused by a driver that is distracted.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson. His email address is, Troy.christianson@state.mn.us.

LOOK: Olmsted County’s Highlighted Warrants of the Week

This week, just the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office shared warrants. They are selected by each office and do not necessarily represent "most wanted" in either county.

If you see any of these people, do not approach or attempt to apprehend them. Instead, in Olmsted County, during weekdays call 507-328-6830. After 5 PM and on weekends, call 507-328-6800. In Goodhue County, call 651-358-3155.

As always, in an emergency, call 911.

The goal from both offices is to create awareness so these individuals can be found.

This gallery is of individuals wanted as of August 25, 2021. If you are viewing this gallery at any time after that date, the warrants listed could be settled.

 

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