31 drivers cited in Bismarck texting sting

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BISMARCK — Bismarck police say they issued 31 citations during a texting-and-driving enforcement blitz for some downright disturbing driving behavior. Officers say they followed one woman for 15 blocks while she drove with her knees and typed out texts with both hands.

Plainclothes officers worked from unmarked, high-profile vehicles during the “texting sting” Tuesday and Wednesday. Lt. Steve Kilde said that those ticketed “were so brazen about it, it wasn’t even funny.”

Before the two-day sting, Bismarck police had issued 39 texting tickets since Jan. 1. The city outlawed texting behind the wheel two years ago; the North Dakota Legislature followed suit in August 2011.

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