Distracted driving is a serious issue, and it's not just about texting. Colorado's hands-free law is a step in the right direction, but it's important to understand the full scope of the problem. According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), 3,778 crashes were caused by distracted driving in 2025, making it the second most prevalent cause of all crash types in the state.
What's surprising is that the law specifically bans holding any electronic device while driving, not just phones. This means that drivers are prohibited from using technology that requires manual operation, such as GPS devices, tablets, and even smartwatches. Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the CSP, emphasizes that some drivers are using technology for activities beyond just phone calls and text messages, such as working, planning vacations, shopping, and more.
A report by Cambridge Mobile Telematics found that people interacted with their phones for an average of two minutes and six seconds per hour on the road in 2023. The top 10 most-used apps while driving were revealed, with Instagram leading the way at 23.9% of drivers, followed by the iPhone camera (22.7%), WhatsApp (19.8%), Facebook (18.9%), YouTube (18.6%), Gmail (17.4%), Facebook Messenger (15.6%), Google Chrome (15.6%), Afterpay (15.3%), and the phone itself (14.9%).
These statistics highlight the widespread use of technology while driving and the potential dangers it poses. It's not just about the obvious distractions like texting or browsing social media; it's also about the everyday activities that require manual operation of electronic devices.
From my perspective, the law in Colorado is a necessary step to combat distracted driving. However, it's not enough to simply ban holding devices. We need to raise awareness about the dangers of using technology while driving and encourage drivers to find alternative ways to stay connected and productive on the road. For example, using 'Do Not Disturb' settings on electronic devices can help reduce temptation and keep drivers focused on the task at hand.
In my opinion, it's also crucial to address the underlying causes of distracted driving. This includes improving road infrastructure, promoting public transportation, and educating drivers about the risks of using technology while driving. By taking a comprehensive approach, we can make our roads safer and reduce the number of crashes caused by distracted driving.
