Brooklyn Center Police Use Dump Truck to Catch Distracted Drivers
Brooklyn Center police are using a new creative method to catch distracted drivers who are texting behind the wheel.
Although it’s against the law, many motorists get behind the wheel and text message.
“We’ve seen people veer off on the shoulder, we’ve seen people blow a stop sign, blow a red light,” explained Officer Munawar Hussain.
On Tuesday, Brooklyn Center Police are kicking off a campaign called “dump the distracted driving.”
Here’s how it works. One officer rides along in a dump truck as a spotter, watching drivers as they drive by.
“We’ve got one texting,” shouted one officer.
Police then relay a vehicle description to another officer stationed farther down the street.
“I copied, what is the vehicle description?” said Officer Munawar Hussain, who then pulls the vehicle over.
“Can I take a look at your phone to make sure you’re not texting or anything?” asked Hussain.
Brooklyn Center Police say the dump truck blends in with regular traffic. The big truck also gives officers a bird’s eye view to what’s happening on the roads.
“When we drive a regular squad car there’s only so much we can see because a lot of people have been having closer to the center console or have them in their lap,” explained Hussain.
With school about to let out for the summer and more folks heading out on the roads, Brooklyn Center police want to remind people to put down their phones and pay attention.
“I have personally pulled over 15 people,” said Hussain.
On August 1st, the Minnesota hands-free cell phone law goes into effect. Brooklyn Center police say the law will make it easier to crack down on distracted drivers.
