Nearly a Quarter of Colorado Drivers are Distracted

Injury Lawyer Serving Boulder, Longmont, Broomfield & Surrounding Areas in Colorado

 

A new survey from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has found that 22% of CO drivers read texts, emails, or posts on their phones while driving. 15% of respondents admitted to sending messages while operating a vehicle and an alarming 60% admitted to adjusting entertainment options, such as music on their phones, while driving. Most drivers think this behavior is dangerous, but seem to believe they are somehow immune from the consequences. Tragically, this is just not true. CDOT reports that in 2015, 15,000 serious injuries and 60 deaths were caused by distracted drivers in Colorado.

Typing on an electronic device while driving in Colorado is illegal. Reading while driving is, oddly, not. Nor is using an electronic device to adjust music, check weather, plan routes, or talk against the law – despite a growing body of evidence that all use of handheld electronics while driving is incredibly dangerous. It is important to remember that even when a law has not been broken, if a distracted driver causes an accident, he or she can be held liable for their negligence and become responsible for any damages they cause. Boulder car accident attorney Christopher Jeffress helps victims of distracted drivers. Call us at 303.993.8685 to schedule a free consultation today.

Distracted drivers injure and kill thousands of Colorado residents every year, with many of those accidents happening along the I-25 corridor. Many others happen on narrow and curvy mountain roads in Northern Colorado where pileups caused by a single distracted driver can slow traffic for hours. The best thing you can do to combat this is to refrain from using electronic devices while driving. Pay attention to the road and help ensure you and those around you make it safely home. If you are injured by a driver who doesn’t care as much about the safety of fellow motorists, contact Jeffress Law to see how we can help you get the full compensation you deserve.