A new report from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CoDOT) points to phone usage as the leading cause of crashes with injuries involving distracted driving.
Of the 302 serious injuries in distracted driving crashes during 2020, a little over a third (205) injuries involved drivers on their phones just before crashing. The remaining 32.2 percent involved drivers distracted by their passengers.
To combat phone usage while driving, the CoDOT will partner with schools, rec centers, shopping centers, and business parking lots across the state to raise awareness.
“Distracted driving is more than an awareness month or single campaign, it is an ongoing safety issue that needs to be addressed year-round on our roadways,” said Darrel Lingk, Highway Safety Office director at CoDOT. “This effort will keep the conversation going until all drivers understand that picking up the phone to send a text or make a call can be deadly behind the wheel.”
The awareness campaign will place signs in high schools, rec centers, shopping centers, and parking lots across the Denver Metro area to remind drivers to put down their phones and remove distractions while driving and ask drivers to sign the Defeat Distracted Driving Pledge. The school or organization with the most individual pledges at the end of the month will receive a permanent distracted driving sign for their property.
“Despite what they may think, people don’t really have the ability to multitask when they drive,” said Sam Cole, CoDOT communications manager. “By not fully focusing on driving, you are at a disadvantage when it comes to avoiding unexpected hazards on our roadways, such as a vehicle stopping suddenly or a child darting out in front of you.”
The CoDOT said it would also raise awareness of the issue through digital message boards on highways, social media posts, and outreach through statewide grant programs.