Most teen drivers are aware of the dangers of texting and driving. In 2012, 3,328 people were killed from texting and driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Furthermore, 421,000 people were injured by a distracted driver. Texting while driving makes drivers 23 times more likely to get in a crash. Regardless of these alarming statistics, distracted driving has increased throughout the years.

In response to this epidemic, the Edina Police Department has launched a new campaign called “Focus In”, in hopes of catching distracted drivers. Each month emphasizes a new component of driver safety, September being the month that focused on distracted driving. The “Focus In” campaign is an effort to focus in on certain statutory violations.

“The violations that we ‘Focus In’ on have seasonal relevance, affect our quality of life, and protect our citizens,” said Lieutenant Brian Tholen, a leader of the “Focus In” program.

This campaign has been very successful so far, and helped distracted drivers realize the seriousness of their actions. In the month of September alone, policemen stopped, and talked to 59 distracted drivers. The idea is to remind drivers that there are serious consequences for distracted driving in hopes that they will be more focused in the future.

“The mere presence of officers making stops and being visible to the public makes them put their phones down and drive, along with us making traffic stops, and at times citing violators,” said Lt. Tholen.

Many Edina High School students agreed that this would encourage them not to text and drive. NHTSA reports that 70% of teens agree that texting and driving is wrong, however 30% of admit to texting and driving anyways. Teens get in the habit of thinking that they can get away with it without harming anyone, however, being pulled over by a police officer could definitely make them think twice.

“I think that this program is a good idea because getting pulled over scares students, and reminds them of the consequences of texting and driving,” said EHS senior Michaela Johnston.

While the month of September centered on distracted driving, the month of October has been centered on driving in school zones. A full list of the different aspects of the “Focus In” campaign can be viewed on the EPD website.