Colorado Distracted Driving Dangers & Statistics 2024

It is vital to understand Colorado distracted driving dangers and statistics in the event that you are involved in an accident. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents across the entire United States.

There are many different behaviors that can be categorized as distracted driving, but they all involve taking your eyes, hands, or mind off of the road ahead. Losing focus on the road can lead to catastrophic accidents and further consequences for anyone who causes them.

Colorado Distracted Driving Dangers & Statistics

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, more than 75% of Colorado drivers surveyed in 2023 reported using their cell phones while driving. That is a significant increase from the 67% reported in 2022. Of the group that was surveyed in 2023, 45% reported using a handheld phone while driving in just the past seven days. Other drivers reported participating in many distracting behaviors, such as eating and playing with the radio.

The same survey determined that drivers who engage in distracting behavior are more likely to speed and less likely to wear a seat belt. CDOT also reports that in 2020, more than 10,000 car crashes in the state involved distracted drivers to some degree. In those accidents, over 1,400 people were injured, and nearly 70 were killed. Driving while texting is estimated to be six times more dangerous than driving drunk.

Common Causes of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is among the primary causes of motor vehicle accidents in Colorado and throughout the entire United States. It is important to recognize distracting behavior behind the wheel, as recognizing it can be the first step towards preventing it. Minimizing distracted driving behaviors behind the wheel can help save lives, including your own. Here are some of the more common causes of distracted driving in Colorado:

• Talking on the Phone: In this modern age where virtually everyone carries a smartphone with them at all times, it can be understandably difficult to avoid talking on your phone while driving. However, Colorado has recently made legal efforts to ban the use of handheld devices while driving, so you may now get pulled over for talking on the phone unless it is hands-free.
• Texting: Texting while driving is dangerous behavior. It disengages your focus from the road and causes you to look away for seconds at a time. All it takes is one second to cause an accident. Texting while driving is illegal in Colorado and could result in a hefty fine if you are pulled over for it. The same goes for checking your email, checking your social media pages, or doing anything else with your phone while driving.
• Conversing With Passengers: It’s not realistic or socially acceptable to not speak to your passengers in a vehicle. Whether it’s driving with friends, carpooling, or using a rideshare app, talking is inevitable. However, becoming too engaged in the conversation as a driver can take your focus away from the road and possibly lead to an accident. If you are driving in bad weather or traffic, keep the discussion to a minimum.
• Rubbernecking: The term “rubbernecking” refers to slowing your car down to catch a glimpse of an accident site on the side of the road. It can feel impossible not to look, but taking your eyes off the road to see the aftermath of an accident could lead to you causing another accident. If you cause an accident while rubbernecking, it could cause a chain reaction that leads to many fender benders.

FAQs

What Are Three Statistics About Distracted Driving?

There are, unfortunately, many statistics about distracted driving, as it continues to be a leading cause of car accidents across the country. Three important statistics to remember about distracted driving are:

• In 2022, 3,308 people died as a result of accidents involving distracted driving.
• That same year, eight percent of car accidents involving fatalities were affected by distracted drivers.
• There were 289,310 people injured in distracting driving accidents in 2022.

What Is the Three-Second Rule in Colorado?

The “three-second rule” in Colorado refers to how much distance and time you should provide to the car in front of you on the road. It is estimated that you should maintain a minimum of three seconds of distance between your car and the car in front of you in order to avoid accidents. You should be sure to follow this rule when driving through bad weather, construction zones, school zones, and the highway.

What Is the CRS for Distracted Driving in Colorado?

The Colorado Revised Statute (CRS) for distracted driving is 42-4-239. This statute prohibits texting while driving in the state of Colorado for drivers of any age. It also prohibits minors under 18 years old from using their phone in any way while driving, apart from emergency situations.

Is It Illegal to Talk on the Phone While Driving in Colorado?

Yes, it is largely illegal to talk on the phone while driving in Colorado. Recent statewide legislation has made it illegal to use any device but a hands-free phone while driving a car in the state. Police are able to pull you over if they see a handheld device in your hand, and you could be looking at hefty fines and penalties if you are caught doing so. The only exception is for emergencies.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer Today

Engaging in distracted driving can often cause a car accident, which can lead to severe injuries, property damage, insurance claims, and irate drivers. If you are involved in a car accident, you should reach out to a Denver car accident lawyer who can help you identify the steps you should take to protect yourself.

At Cheney Galluzzi & Howard, we can help you decide on the most effective way to proceed with your case. We’ve helped many clients with their car accident cases, and we have a track record of success. Contact us to schedule a consultation soon.