Rachel Stein, a dedicated mother of three, commutes to her job in south Denver each day. During her drives, she frequently observes concerning cell phone habits among other motorists. “It’s alarming to see people holding their cell phones in front of them, believing it’s less distracting than traditional phone use,” she shared.
In Colorado, texting while driving is strictly prohibited, but drivers over 18 are permitted to hold their phones while talking. However, those under the age of 18 are completely restricted from using cell phones while driving. This discrepancy prompted Stein to question the impact of cell phone use on accidents and the measures in place to prevent such incidents.
Recent events, such as the tragic death of 17-year-old cycling prodigy Magnus White in a potential distracted driving collision, have elevated concerns among Coloradans. Sam Cole, overseeing distracted driving campaigns at the Colorado Department of Transportation, emphasized the significant role of distracted driving in the state’s escalating number of traffic fatalities.
Although precise figures attributing accidents to cell phone use are challenging to ascertain, Cole mentioned that distracted driving, encompassing various activities like cell phone use and eating, led to at least 72 fatalities and over 15,000 crashes in 2022. However, the exact correlation between cell phone use and accidents remains elusive due to these broad statistics.
A recent survey conducted by CDOT revealed that more than half of Colorado drivers engage with their phones while driving, underscoring the pervasive nature of the issue. While law enforcement has made efforts to enforce regulations, only a limited number of citations were issued in 2022 for improper cell phone use, suggesting a gap in enforcement.
Potential solutions range from legislative changes to heightened public awareness campaigns on the dangers of distracted driving. Although attempts to implement a hands-free law in Colorado have faced challenges, CDOT’s forthcoming ad campaign focusing on texting dangers aims to raise awareness about the perils of distracted driving.
Emphasizing the critical need to prioritize safety, Cole advised against phone use while driving, suggesting hands-free systems or pulling over for calls. He warned against complacency, stressing that habitual phone use while driving could lead to inevitable accidents.
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