(COLO) – With distractions both inside and outside of the vehicle pulling for our attention, too many drivers have taken a “multi-tasking” approach while behind the wheel. In 2021, the Colorado State Patrol saw a 47% increase in fatal crashes caused by distracted driving in the crashes troopers investigated.
“Keeping your eyes on the road seems like a simple message, but drivers violate it consistently,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “People may get away with reaching for their dropped sunglasses, reading a text or adjusting a mirror while driving a few times without an incident and they gain confidence. Sadly, it's this confidence that places them and other motorists at risk until their luck runs out and a collision occurs.”
Distracted driving can often result in a citation for improper, reckless or careless driving. The Colorado State Patrol issued over 16,000 of these citations in 2021. While I-25 and I-70 claimed the top two locations for these citations, the third location could not be specifically identified as rural roads and neighborhood streets superseded any other national or state highways in Colorado.
“When you see someone leave their lane or fail to stop at a light or stop sign these behaviors are considered improper, reckless or careless,” stated Col. Packard. “We take these ‘simple’ violations seriously because they can lead to the worst kind of crashes with the biggest cost being the loss of human life.”
The Colorado State Patrol is launching a month-long awareness campaign called “Distracted Driving Costs You” as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As part of this campaign, the Colorado State Patrol is releasing the top five counties that had the largest quantity of injury and fatality crashes caused by inattentive driving (in descending order).
- Douglas County
- El Paso County
- Adams County
- Larimer County
- Jefferson County
While these counties represent the highest number of crashes, distracted driving is happening across the state. Put down the food, the phone, and don’t allow your passengers to distract you. Put down the razor and makeup too... oh yes, it happens. If you get behind the wheel, make driving your focus.
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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.