A new state law taking effect on Jan. 1 makes it illegal for drivers to talk on the phone without a hands-free device.
The legislation expands Colorado’s current cellphone ban which prohibits drivers 18 years and older from texting and searching the internet. Right now, drivers under 18 are not allowed to use their cell phones while driving.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said under the new law drivers can still talk on the phone while using hands-free technology, like dashboard mounts and Bluetooth car speaker systems. The goal is to crack down on distracted driving, which leads to an average of 42 crashes each day across the state, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
Shannon Bloss, a driver in Colorado Springs, said he’s happy to see the expanded cell phone ban and hopes it will reduce traffic deaths.
“I think it’s going to be great for public safety because I see it all the time out on the roads and I see people just buried in their phone looking and they’re doing 60-70 miles an hour. I mean, it’s dangerous, and people get hurt every day because of it,” said Bloss.