Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes nationwide.

A few seconds of distraction is all it takes. Looking down at a text, glancing at your GPS, grabbing a snack- any of these can be the difference between avoiding a close call and being in a serious crash.

Texting and phone use are the most common culprits, but adjusting the radio, eating, and applying makeup also count. Here are a few easy ways to stay focused:

• Put your phone out of reach before you start driving.
• Pull over if you need to send a text or make a call.
• Let a passenger handle navigation or messages.

When you see emergency vehicles, slow down and move over.

You may have noticed that fire trucks responding to crashes are often parked at an angle, blocking multiple lanes. That's intentional. The apparatus acts as a physical barrier between traffic and the people on scene- crash victims, firefighters, and medics providing care. Emergency vehicles may also use directional lighting and arrow boards to guide drivers safely around the area.

Slowing down and moving over isn't just the law- it protects the people trying to help.

For more on Minnesota's hands-free cell phone law and distracted driving safety tips, visit www.dps.mn.gov.