Peak Hours are Peak Time for Distracted Driving

While driving to work today, did you check out that driver weaving all across the road just because he or she was distracted in some way or the other? Every day I come across hundreds of drivers who either text while driving or are distracted in some way or the other.

The Colorado State Patrol Troopers say that they had to look into nearly 40 fatal accidents last year because of distracted driving. This is nearly a 5% increase from 2009. The Colorado State Troopers claim to investigate nearly 14 crashes every day due to distracted driving. Distracted driving is considered to be the second leading cause for crashes in the state. Speeding of course will always be the first cause.

A famous news program recently went out with the State Patrol to see for themselves how the Denver drivers would act during peak traffic hours. The drivers were apparently found looking at cell phones instead of at the road. Once the roads start getting congested and traffic is intermittent; more like to stop and go kind of traffic, that’s when most drivers start checking their Blackberry’s, eating, talking on the phone, applying makeup and combing their hair.

Texting and driving is illegal in Colorado but this doesn’t seem to deter the drivers. Talking on the phone and driving is also illegal for minors. Officers have the right to fine drivers for irresponsible driving if they are found to be distracted in any kind of way – right from eating and drinking to applying makeup and shaving(yes, shaving!).

Like drivers everywhere in the world, it is time for the Denver drivers to pick up the pace and learn about safety driving!