Authorities crack down on distracted driving, memorialize officer Bill Mathews

(KMSP) - This month, several metro police agencies are increasing efforts to target drivers who are texting or using the internet while behind the wheel. 

Officers and Shawn Mathews, the widow of Wayzata officer Bill Mathews, pleaded with drivers Tuesday to put down their phones and focus on the road.  

Mathews was killed in the line of duty by a driver who was both impaired and distracted.

“I know Bill would be outraged,” Shawn Mathews said. 

Throughout the day, as officers write citations, they will also hand out cards with information about Mathews and his family.

Distracted driving now accounts for one in five crashes in Minnesota, causing almost sixty deaths a year. 

The increased enforcement will go through April 22.