Everyone knows (or should know) that distracted driving is dangerous. Activities like texting and video chatting take drivers’ eyes and minds off of the road and their hands off of the wheel, and studies have shown that even voice texting and other forms of non-handheld phone use can greatly impair drivers’ ability to focus on the task at hand.
Just how dangerous is it? According to the latest data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), distracted driving is a factor in 43 accidents in Colorado every single day. This amounts to more than 15,000 accidents per year that could all be avoided if drivers simply chose not to pick up their phones and give in to other driving distractions. As quoted by the Denver Post, in the words of CDOT’s director, Shoshana Lew:
“Driving is a significant responsibility and demands our full concentration. When you fail to pay attention behind the wheel, you put yourself and other travelers at serious risk . . . .”
Despite the clear risks involved, according to a CDOT survey cited in the Denver Post article, more than 90 percent of people surveyed admitted to driving distracted within the past seven days.
Using Phone Features and Apps to Prevent Distracted Driving
In order to help combat distracted driving in Colorado, CDOT has launched a campaign that it calls, “Get Turned On.” The campaign encourages people to turn on their phone’s “do not disturb” feature while driving, which prevents notifications for incoming messages, calls and updates. For iPhone users, Apple’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature “turn[s] on [automatically] when the phone senses the user driving or when the phone connects to a vehicle’s entertainment system.” Other options that CDOT recommends include:
- AT&T DriveMode, is an app that can be set up to block notifications when a driver exceeds 15 mph.
- Life Saver, an app that detects when a car is in motion and either disables notifications or presents a reminder to “Keep your eyes on the road.”
- SafeRide, an app that can connect with your vehicle via Bluetooth to mute audio notifications and loc the phone’s screen and buttons while the vehicle is in motion.
- Driving Detective, an app that automatically turns on the phone’s “do not disturb” feature when a vehicle is in motion.
Seeking Financial Compensation After a Distracted Driving Accident in Denver
With so many options available, it would seem that drivers have little to no excuse for giving in to distractions behind the wheel. Colorado law recognizes distracted driving as a form of negligence; and, if you were injured or a loved one was killed by a distracted driver, you are entitled to seek full compensation for your accident-related losses. Distracted drivers deserve to be held accountable, and filing a claim to recover your losses can be a crucial step on the road to recovery.
Speak With a Denver Auto Accident Attorney for Free
If you would like more information about recovering your losses after a distracted driving accident in Denver, we invite you to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. To schedule an appointment at your convenience, please call 303-333-8000 or contact us online today.
