What’s the leading cause of distracted driving in America?
The leading cause of distracted driving in America is cell phone use, particularly texting while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to undistracted drivers.
In addition to cell phone use, other common distractions include talking on the phone (whether handheld or hands-free), eating, interacting with passengers, and adjusting in-car technologies like GPS or music systems.
Why this is such important information is because as a car accident law firm in Denver, we see many serious injuries and often a wrongful death case that happen due to negligent drivers on the road. We obviously don’t want this to happen, but we’re here in case you or your family need help.
What is being done to help the problem?
To improve road safety and cut down on distracted driving incidents, a new Colorado law will take effect on January 1, 2025, banning the use of handheld electronic devices while driving. However, drivers will still be allowed to use hands-free accessories, according to the Colorado Dept of Transportation.
Just recently, a distracted driver in Colorado Springs ran into a police station of all places. This just goes to show how dangerous looking at your phone can be while driving. Colorado Springs car accidents are becoming more and more of a serious issue in that area so please call us if you ever need any legal help.
Distracted driving statistics in Colorado
Statistics from 2023 show that distracted driving remained a significant issue on our roads in Colorado, which contributed to numerous crashes and fatalities, unfortunately. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that distracted driving caused at least 72 deaths and over 15,000 crashes in 2022, which indicates the persistent danger of this behavior on the roads. The most common forms of distraction include cell phone use, eating, and interacting with passengers.
A 2023 survey conducted by CDOT revealed that 76% of drivers in Colorado admitted to using their phones while driving, whether hands-free or handheld, marking an increase from 67% in 2022. Despite these troubling numbers, enforcement remains challenging, with only 138 citations issued for improper phone use in 2022. Source: CPR
These statistics highlight the continued risks posed by distracted driving, prompting discussions for stricter laws and more awareness campaigns.
Cell phone use, however, remains the top concern due to its prevalence and the significant attention it demands from the driver.
What to do if you were injured by a distracted driver
If you were injured by a distracted driver, there are several important steps to take to protect your health and legal rights:
- Make sure you get medical help. This is the top priority to ensure any injuries you sustained get treated.
- Call the Police to report the accident. This report will be valuable for any insurance claims or legal actions you may take later.
- Document the Scene by taking photos with your cell phone if possible. Or ask a witness or passenger to help if you’re unable to. And always collect contact info.
- Consult with a Denver personal injury lawyer and it’s best to do this prior to speaking with or recording any information with your insurance company so we can advise on next steps and possibly file a claim to seek compensation.
- Notify Your Insurance Company to report the accident. Be honest about what happened, but avoid giving too much detail or admitting fault at this stage.
Contact Jon Boesen if you were a victim of a negligent distracted driver in Colorado.
We’re here to help and offer a free consultation with any personal injury case.
