Important facts about distracted driving laws in Colorado

February 06, 2013

Distracted driving is a dangerous trend in the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that, in 2010, more than 3,000 people were killed in a distracted-driving related car accident.

By definition, distracted driving is any activity that shifts a driver's attention away from the primary duty of driving. It includes, but is not limited to:
- Talking on a cell phone or to passengers
- Texting
- Eating
- Reading
- Watching a video
- Applying makeup, shaving, fixing hair or other grooming activities

Additionally, even common activities like changing radio stations or adjusting a GPS are included in the definition of distracted driving.

Distracted driving laws in Colorado

Colorado has two primary laws related to distracted driving. A primary law means a police officer may stop and ticket an individual for committing the offense without the driver having committed any additional driving violations. Secondary laws apply to offenses for which drivers can only be ticketed if an officer pulled him or her over for another offense, such as speeding.

The first primary law bans all cellphone use for novice drivers. Novice drivers are defined as drivers under age 18. This ban includes both handheld and hands-free cellphones, and both talking on the phone and texting are forbidden. The second primary law bans texting for all drivers, regardless of age.

The relationship between cell phones, texting and car accidents

Cellphone use and texting are among the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. According to TextingandDrivingSafety.com, approximately 23 percent of car accidents in 2011 involved cellphones. In addition, the DOT reports that texting creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving with no distractions.

The National Safety Council cites texting and driving as the cause of 1.6 million accidents each year. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports even more alarming statistics, putting the impairment of a driver who texts and drives at the same level as a driver who consumed four beers.

The simple act of sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes off the road for approximately 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, this is the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field while looking downward.

Distracted driving is negligent behavior. An individual injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver often experiences physical, emotional and financial difficulties. A local personal injury attorney can provide knowledge and guidance to those harmed by distracted driving to assure they obtain adequate compensation for their losses.

Article provided by KILLIAN DAVIS Richter & Mayle, PC
Visit us at www.killianlaw.com