Despite the risks, 92% of surveyed drivers still admit to driving distracted
Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on Colorado roads. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), distracted drivers were involved in 15,143 crashes on Colorado roads in 2019, resulting in 4,361 injuries and 28 fatalities. As people hit the road for fall foliage and winter activities, CDOT reminds drivers to drop the distraction and focus on the road ahead.
Top Denver personal injury attorney Brad Freedberg says the problem is the worst he has seen. “Every week I see the results of distracted driving in my practice. The toll on families is horrific and sadly preventable,” says Fredberg.
“Distracted driving continues to be a prevalent issue on Colorado roads, but is easy to fix,” said Darrell Lingk, CDOT Director of the Office of Transportation Safety. “Every time you are tempted to reach for your phone or take your eyes off the road, stop and think about the lives at risk and make a safer decision.”
Despite the notable risks of a crash, Colorado drivers continue to succumb to distracted driving on a regular basis. According to CDOT’s 2020 driving behavior survey, 92% of respondents reported driving distracted in the past seven days. The most common distractions included eating or drinking, selecting entertainment on a device, talking on a hands-free cell phone and reading or sending a message on a cell phone.
Another distracted driving tragedy
“Colorado drivers continue to engage in distracting activities while driving,” said Lingk. “With fall in full swing and winter sports and holidays on the horizon, we encourage people to stay focused on the road and put distractions aside.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Distracted Driving Awareness Month led by the National Safety Council (NSC) was rescheduled from April to October this year. CDOT is partnering with NSC this month to raise awareness for this critical nationwide issue as Coloradans hit the road to enjoy the changing seasons. As you plan your next outing, CDOT suggests the following tips to help you stay focused on the road:
- Turn your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode before you start moving to minimize distractions.
- If you have a passenger, assign them to be your “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages while on the move.
- Plan stops along your route to pull over and park your car to safely enjoy a snack, stay hydrated and check your cell phone notifications.
- Select your entertainment settings and GPS options before you start your car so you don’t have to worry about making changes while in motion.
- Enjoy a break from multitasking and use your drive time to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty – you just might notice something you’ve never seen before!
Brad Freedberg Attorney at Law
1888 Sherman St #200, Denver, CO 80203
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