(COLO) – Distracted driving is a dangerous and preventable behavior for all drivers, regardless of their vehicle type. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every day in the United States, nine people die, and over 1,000 people are injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers. For motorcycle riders in Colorado, distraction was the third most common causal factor for crashes in 2024.
“Motorcycle riders know they are vulnerable from other motorists who fail to check their blind spots or drive distracted, but sometimes riders fail to recognize how their speed and inattention can create an equally dangerous situation,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Being alert and driving defensively is a part of the ride. And troopers want everyone on the road to do their part.”
A distracted rider is similar to a distracted driver. Neither operator can adequately drive their vehicle or adjust to changing traffic conditions. Distraction degrades lane-keeping performance, speed control, reaction time, situational awareness, and visual scanning.
When looking at 2024 citation data from the Colorado State Patrol, troopers issued 310 citations to motorcycle riders for improper, reckless or careless driving, which includes distraction. This was a 5% increase over 2023. The top month for these citations in 2024 was June, followed by August. Warm weather and clear conditions are peak times to ride in Colorado.
In addition, the Colorado State Patrol ranked the most common roads for motorcycle crashes in 2024. The top location was I-25, followed by Highway 24 and then I-70. The most common day of the week was Saturday between the hours of 2 – 4 p.m.
“Those few seconds looking at your navigation system or removing a hand from the wheel to do something on your phone may seem innocent at first, but these actions can lead to an error,” stated Col. Packard. “This agency alone investigated 535 at-fault motorcycle crashes last year. We need our riders to drive the posted speed limit and stay focused to help us reduce the threat to themselves on Colorado roadways.”
The Colorado State Patrol is recognizing Distracted Driving Awareness Month by sharing data and tips to encourage all Colorado drivers to focus on one task: driving when they get behind the wheel. Colorado’s Hands Free law went into effect on January 1, 2025. There is no lane reserved for you to drive distracted, drop the distractions.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.