Minnesota Officials, Family of Crash Victim Launch Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign
Published: April 4, 2026
MINNESOTA - Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are teaming up with traffic safety officials and a grieving family to launch a statewide distracted driving enforcement campaign this April, aiming to prevent tragedies on the road.
The campaign, led by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), runs from April 1 through April 30 and includes increased enforcement, education efforts, and public awareness messaging funded in part by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A central voice in this year’s campaign is Matt Lehman, the mayor of Shakopee, whose daughter-in-law, Ashley Lehman, died after a devastating crash last year.
A Family’s Loss Driving Change
Ashley Lehman was seriously injured in a T-bone crash at a four-way intersection in Scott County in July 2025. She later died from those injuries in November.
“All of our lives changed instantly and have been turned upside down ever since,” Lehman said. “I talk to God and Ashley daily.”
Lehman said he is now using his decades of automotive and racing experience to advocate for safer driving and to help prevent other families from experiencing similar loss.
“Both tell me to… help educate and prevent the loss of innocent lives,” he said. “To help other families navigate the forever nightmare and family destruction from distracted, impaired, and reckless driving.”
Lehman is expected to join law enforcement during the campaign kickoff, where members of the media may participate in ride-alongs to observe officers working to stop distracted driving in real time.
A Preventable but Persistent Danger
Officials say distracted driving remains one of the most preventable yet deadly threats on Minnesota roads.
According to OTS data:
33,183 distracted driving crashes occurred between 2020 and 2026
Those crashes resulted in 888 serious injuries and 162 fatalities
In 2025 alone, at least 21 people were killed and 159 seriously injured in distracted driving-related crashes
“Almost every crash that happens is an avoidable tragedy,” said Mike Hanson, director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “We want to protect families by reminding drivers to focus on the road. Lives really do depend on how much attention you give the road.”
Provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Enforcement Focus: Hands-Free Law
Minnesota’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding their phones while driving. While some functions are allowed, they must be done without physically handling the device.
Drivers may only use:
Voice commands
Single-touch activation
Drivers may not:
Scroll social media
Watch or stream videos
Browse the internet or search for information
Officials stress that even legal use can still be dangerous.
“Hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free,” the campaign emphasizes.
Penalties for Violations
Drivers caught violating Minnesota’s hands-free law face escalating penalties:
$100+ fine (including court fees) for a first offense
$300+ fine for subsequent offenses
Felony charges: including criminal vehicular operation or homicide, if a distracted driver causes serious injury or death
“Drive Smart” Message: Simple Steps Save Lives
As part of the campaign, officials are urging Minnesotans to adopt safer driving habits, including:
Putting phones on “Do Not Disturb” and out of reach
Setting navigation and music before driving
Avoiding eating or other distractions behind the wheel
Teaching children proper behavior in vehicles
Encouraging passengers to speak up if a driver is distracted
Ashley Lehman’s family says these small decisions can make the difference between life and death.
“Our goal is simple,” the campaign message states. “Pay attention, prevent tragedy.”
For more information on distracted driving laws and safety tips, officials encourage drivers to visit HandsFreeMN.org and DriveSmartMN.org.
Written By: Will Wight
