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Distracted driving in Colorado increases with cell phone use

Distracted driving is a leading cause of Colorado car accidents. Unfortunately, cell phones are partly to blame for this behavior. Drivers who use cell phones to text, email, or talk are choosing to focus on another activity, which is taking their mind and attention off the road. This behavior affects drivers of all ages and increases the chance for car accidents.

Even hands-free talking, can delay drivers’ reactions and can be dangerous for themselves, as well as other drivers on the road. Statistics from the University of Utah suggests that talking on a cell phone, while driving, can delay a driver’s reaction that is equal to having a blood alcohol concentration level of .08 percent (the legal limit). This activity reduces the brain’s focus on driving, and can lead to a Colorado Springs car accident.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, other research finds that drivers who use cell phones behind the wheel are four times more likely to be involved in a serious car accident. Nationwide Insurance conducted a survey and found that 45 percent of people claim they were involved or almost hit by other drivers who were talking on cell phones. This statistic is increasingly high, and as more people use cell phones on the road, this number may continue to increase.

Education awareness is key in showing the dangers of distracted driving. Many believe that texting is the worst because it takes the driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind away from focusing on driving. Even the American Automobile Association (AAA) is urging lawmakers to ban text messaging for all drivers in every state because research shows it affects driving performance poorly. Other distracted driving activities include:

• Use of a cell phone

• Use of navigation system

• Changing the radio station

• Talking to passengers

• Eating and drinking

• Reading a map

The government wants the public to be aware that there are increased dangers of cell phone use while driving. Many states have banned cell phone or texting while driving; however, some drivers continue to break the rules and endanger other drivers.

If you have been injured in a Colorado Springs car accident, and you believe it was caused by the negligence of another driver, contact an experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Robert J. Anderson at (866) 254-1274, for a free legal consultation. We have been helping injured victims for nearly 30 years in the cities of Colorado Springs, Denver, Pueblo, Canyon City, Woodland Park, Fountain, Castle Rock, and Cripple Creek.