CDOT Launches Distracted Driver Campaign

The Colorado Department of Transportation, (CDOT) has officially announced they will be launching a campaign to remind drivers of distractions while driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 9 people are killed everyday while 1,000 are injured due to distracted driving.

Shoshana Lew

CDOT Executive Director

"When you get behind the wheel, you’re not only in control of your own safety, your actions impact the safety of everyone around you. Just as we are all doing our part to protect each other during this pandemic, we need to protect each other on the roads, as well, and that means eliminating dangerous distractions."

The Campaign

CDOT's campaign is called Distraction Reactions and is aimed at shifting people's behaviors. The main idea, "if drivers saw how others reacted to their distracted driving, would they change their behavior?" will be seen on coffee sleeves and digital ads throughout the state. Expect to see one while filling up your tank at the gas station.

A part of the campaign encourages drivers to be more hand free with their devices. For example, many mobile phones offer a "do not disturb" mode which removes notifications while active. If interactions are still necessary, voice activated commands can be used so drivers will not have to look at their device while driving.

COLORADO

More than 90% of drivers in Colorado admitted to driving while distracted weekly, and as traffic numbers rise, CDOT is urging motorists to remain focused on the road.

In 2018 there were 15,673 crashes caused by distracted driving which amounts to 42 every day. Of the 890 drivers killed that year 53 were due to distracted driving. Among 15-20 year olds involved in a fatal crash, 17% were distracted.