Colorado sees early success with hands-free driving law | Legislature | coloradopolitics.com

Feb 27, 2025

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A month and some change after it went into effect, Colorado's hands-free driving law appears to be showing early success at curbing distracted driving, according to research from Cambridge Mobile Telematics.

According to CMT's data, cellphone motion distraction has decreased 3.3% statewide, an improvement the company estimates has prevented 88 crashes, 49 injuries, and $3.5 million in economic damages.

The law, which took effect on January 1, prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile devices while driving, with exemptions for emergencies. Colorado is the 30th state in the country to ban sending texts and making phone calls while driving.

"Colorado’s early results demonstrate the positive impact of hands-free laws," said Tim Vogel, GM of Public Sector at CMT. "But we know that real, lasting change takes continued effort. Strong enforcement and public awareness will be critical in maintaining and expanding these reductions, as we’ve seen in states like Michigan and Ohio. If Colorado keeps up the momentum, this law has the potential to prevent even more crashes and save lives."

CMT's study analyzed nearly four million trips in Colorado between December 2024 and mid-February 2025 and measured drivers' phone motion distraction, defined as when a phone moves with its screen on while a vehicle is in motion.

Analyses of other states with hands-free driving laws show sustained declines in distraction over time, with Ohio's initial drop of 8.1% increasing to nearly 14% after one year. As part of the bill, the Colorado Department of Transportation plans to launch a public awareness campaign to ensure Colorado drivers are aware of the law and the dangers of distracted driving.

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