Video Illustrates Importance of Minnesota’s Hands-Free Law [WATCH]

The Minnesota Hands-Free Law goes into effect on Thursday, August 1.  There are those still unhappy with the law, but watching stories like this puts things in perspective.

The video above, from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, shows one tragedy but, unfortunately, there are countless other stories of fatalities and injuries due to distracted driving.

In a nutshell, the Minnesota Hands- Free states:

Beginning August 1, drivers will no longer be able to hold their cell phones in their hands. They will be able to use their phones to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single touch activation without holding the phone.

This hands-free law is a start, but I really wish there was more we could do.  I run a lot on the side of the road and I see far too many people drive past me who aren't looking at the road, even though they aren't holding cell phones.  They're eating, looking at a phone mounted in their car somewhere, etc.

Distracted driving can occur for various reasons, so let's all make a pledge to not let it happen in our vehicles.  It only takes having your eyes off the road for a second or two for tragedy to strike.