DENVER (KDVR) — Highway crashes in Colorado are down 11% so far this year, compared to the same time last year, but transportation officials want that number to grow.
In January, Colorado became a hands-free driving state, meaning you are not allowed to drive and hold your mobile device.
Drivers need to put their phones away or use a hands-free device.
Just 10 months after the law went into effect, transportation officials believe there is still a lack of awareness.
Sam Cole, the Traffic Safety Manager at the Colorado Department of Transportation, said from January through September of this year, the Colorado State Patrol issued 701 citations related to using an electronic device while driving. That’s a 188% increase from the same time period last year.
“It takes an average of five seconds to look down and send a text. In five seconds, a lot can happen,” said Cole. “When you are looking down at your phone, sending a text, checking social media, it’s just extremely dangerous, and we see far too many people that are killed on the roadways because of it,” he said.
Many drivers are getting the message. A recent CDOT survey showed a 20% drop in the number of people who admit to using their phones while driving.
Plus, from January to September of 2025, CSP investigated 2,816 crashes involving distracted drivers. That’s an 11% drop from the same time period last year.
“I definitely think the law is working,” Cole said.
The numbers, he said, are still too high. Distracted driving is still the third leading cause of crashes in the state.
“That’s really good news, but I think a lot of people don’t either know about this law or they are ignoring it, and sooner or later the law is going to catch up with them,” Cole said.
Penalties for violating the law start with a $75 fine and two points against your license for a first offense. Repeat offenders can face higher fines and more points.
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