Colorado State Patrol Drop It And Drive Campaign Underway

COLORADO — April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Colorado State Patrol launched a series of public service announcements in an effort to save lives.

Around 42 crashes occur on Colorado roadways each day due to distracted driving, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

"Every driver has a role in making Colorado roadways safer," said Colonel Matthew Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.

"Our troopers and local enforcement partners cannot be everywhere at once, so make the smart decision to save a life, possibly your own. When it comes to distractions: drop it and drive."

Around 85 percent of Coloradans admit to driving while distracted daily, the agency said. Distractions include eating, using their GPS, changing music and dealing with passengers and pets.

Distracted driving regularly falls into one of the top three causal factors for injury and fatal crashes, along with speeding and driving under the influence, the Colorado State Patrol said.

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Even without injury, a distracted driving crash can have serious consequences, including citations, damaged property, and higher insurance premiums that can last for years.

"Fortunately, the solutions can be relatively simple, if the driver makes the decision to drive distraction-free," Colorado State Patrol said in a news release.

"Most mobile devices have 'do not disturb while driving' settings that will send calls to voicemail or auto-respond to incoming text messages. If you have a passenger, let them control the music or GPS, or preprogram those items before putting the vehicle in motion.

"And passengers should feel obligated to speak up if their driver is distracted behind the wheel; after all, their safety is at risk, too. Drop It and Drive!"