DRIVERS will face fines of up to $250 after new legislation has banned the use of handheld devices while driving.
The law will go into effect on January 1, 2025, in Colorado to crack down on drivers using or holding mobile devices when behind the wheel of a vehicle.
The legislation does not just aim to stop drivers from texting – drivers who touch their cell phones, including attempting to use GPS, while driving face being fined.
Drivers sitting at a stop light or while their vehicle is not in motion will also be fined if caught by a police officer.
“Distracted driving increases your crash risk by two to six times,” Sam Cole, a Colorado Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Manager, told Fox affiliate KXRM-TV.
“We see about 50 to 60 deaths every single year in Colorado because of distracted drivers.”
First-time offenders caught using a handheld device while driving will be fined $75 and receive two suspension points on their license.
However, the fines will increase for repeat offenders.
If a driver is caught a second time within 24 months, they will be fined $150, and their license will receive three suspension points.
For those fined three times within 24 months, the penalty will increase to $250, plus four license suspension points.
The law also allowed police officers to confiscate a driver’s device.
That decision is made if an officer determines whether or not the driver is seen using the handheld device in a way that results in careless driving.
Colorado State Patrol Tropper Sherri Mendez described how it’s hard to differentiate between a driver under the influence and someone on their phone while driving.
“You can see them weaving, and you think, are they drunk driving or what,” Mendez told KXRM-TV.
“Why would you be driving like that? And most likely, they’re on their cell phone.”
Cole emphasized how the law will enhance the standard texting-while-driving ban.
“This law really strengthens and builds upon a previous law in Colorado that just bans texting and driving,” he told the outlet.
“Now, you can’t hold your phone and text. You can’t hold your phone and make a phone call.
“You can’t hold your phone at all.”
The legislation will add Colorado to the other 30 states that have banned using a handheld device while driving.
What defines ‘distracted driving’?
Distracted driving claims lives every year nationwide, and it’s 100% preventable
However, many drivers assume that distracted driving is limited to using their phone while behind the wheel.
While using a phone to text, call, send emails, scroll through or post to social media, and make or accept video calls is illegal nationwide, other behaviors can be just as distracting – and dangerous.
Other behaviors that distract drivers:
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Applying makeup in visor mirrors
- Eating and drinking, as it takes one or both hands from the wheel
- Reaching into the backseat to grab personal items
- Rummaging through a purse, glove box, or center console
Thankfully, driving distracted can be prevented. Here are some proven tactics to stay focused:
- Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode,” as it temporarily pauses notifications, but will push a call or text through if urgent
- If distraction is difficult to avoid, put the phone in a safe place, like a purse, glove box, center console, or back seat
- If a text message or call needs to be sent or made, pull over and park
- Give the phone to a passenger when applicable to send a text or make a call
- Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps pass along safe behaviors
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation
