Following the start of Colorado’s new distracted driving law, Colorado State Patrol has issued 94 citations to Colorado drivers who were using their cellphones or mobile devices while behind the wheel, more than half of the total number of citations issued in 2024.
Colorado Department of Transportation said the figure accounted for a 135% increase in citations compared to the same time period last year.
A recent finding from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) found a 3.3% reduction in cellphone use while driving among Coloradans since the hands-free law took effect at the start of the year.
CMT has also estimated that 88 crashes and 49 injuries caused by distracted driving have been prevented.
The estimates are based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ‘The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes’ report and distracted driving-related crashes.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Colorado Department of Transportation is urging every Coloradan to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.
“Distracted driving causes far too many crashes and fatalities on our roads,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
“The message is simple – always drive distraction-free. The new ‘hands-free’ law allows law enforcement to address reckless behaviors and is expected to help reduce distracted-related crashes in our state. Now is the time to stop using your mobile devices and pay attention to the road.”
