Safe driving requires full attention. When a driver divides their focus, even for a moment, the risk of a collision rises sharply. Today, cell phone use is one of the most common and dangerous sources of distraction on the road. Texting, scrolling through apps, or checking notifications can significantly impair a driver’s ability to react to changing road conditions.
Research from the American Automobile Association (AAA) shows the severity of this problem. Drivers who use their phones are two to eight times more likely to be involved in a crash. Even talking on a phone, including hands-free devices, makes a driver four times more likely to cause an accident. These findings underline how easily a single moment of distraction can lead to serious or even fatal consequences.
Distracted Driving Statistics in Colorado
Colorado has seen a concerning increase in crashes related to distracted driving. In 2016, the state recorded an average of 40 distracted driving accidents every day. This added up to more than 57,000 crashes that year.
The following year, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported more than 600 traffic fatalities. This was the highest number of roadway deaths since 2008. Many of these fatalities were linked to inattention behind the wheel.
National data supports the seriousness of this issue. Distracted driving contributes to approximately 10 percent of all fatal crashes and 18 percent of injury-related crashes. With cellphone use becoming more common, the number of preventable accidents continues to rise.
Further Reading: KNEE INJURIES AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
How to Reduce the Risk of a Distracted Driving Accident
Although it is impossible to eliminate every hazard on the road, drivers can significantly lower their chances of being involved in an accident by removing distractions before starting the car. The following tips can help prevent cellphone-related crashes:
- Put your phone in the glove box, center console, or trunk.
- Turn on airplane mode to silence incoming calls and notifications.
- Commit to a no-texting policy while behind the wheel.
- Pull over safely if you need to read or send a message.
- Teach teen drivers about the risks of cellphone use while driving.
- Install safe-driving apps that block phone activity while the vehicle is moving.
- Use voice navigation instead of looking at on-screen directions.
- Tell friends and family that you will not respond to texts or calls until you arrive.
- Leave early so you have time to check messages before or after your trip.
Cellphones are not the only cause of distracted driving, but they remain one of the most significant contributors to serious and fatal motor-vehicle accidents.
Contact Our Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Colorado Springs that was caused by a distracted driver, you need legal help immediately. The experienced Colorado Springs car accident attorneys at Schofield & Green Law Firm can help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries.
Call us today at (719) 694-8515 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
