The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 31 that the state’s hands-free law has contributed to a 4.7% reduction in distracted driving, helping prevent approximately 600 crashes across Colorado.
The findings highlight the impact of policy changes on road safety, with data suggesting that stricter enforcement and public awareness efforts can lead to measurable improvements in driver behavior and overall traffic safety.
A year-long analysis by Cambridge Mobile Telematics used data from millions of trips, finding an initial drop of 8.3% in distracted driving during the first month after the law took effect. The analysis estimates this decline prevented more than 400 injuries and six fatalities statewide. In addition, Colorado State Patrol investigated nearly 9% fewer inattentive driver crashes in 2025 compared to the previous year, while issuing over twice as many citations for electronic device use while driving.
“The increase in citations shows that troopers are actively enforcing Colorado’s hands-free law and holding distracted drivers accountable,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “But enforcement alone isn’t the goal — we want drivers to change their behavior. When drivers keep their hands off their cellphones and their eyes on the road, everyone is safer.” As Distracted Driving Awareness Month begins April 1, officials are reminding drivers about the risks associated with distractions behind the wheel.
Colorado’s hands-free law prohibits holding or handling a cellphone or mobile device while operating a vehicle—including when stopped at lights or in traffic—unless using a hands-free accessory such as dashboard mounts or Bluetooth systems. Exemptions apply for emergencies and certain workers such as utility personnel and first responders.
“Colorado’s hands-free law is helping change habits, but it only works if drivers commit to it,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation according to the official website. “When you’re behind the wheel, nothing on your phone is more important than getting everyone home safely.” Tim Vogel from Cambridge Mobile Telematics added: “Colorado’s results show that hands-free laws work. In the first year alone, distracted driving fell, preventing hundreds of crashes and injuries… With the ability to measure these changes in near real time, states can clearly see what’s working and where to go further.”
According to the official website, CDOT oversees transportation infrastructure across Colorado including highways and supports aviation and transit initiatives while aiming for integrated solutions that enhance quality of life throughout the state.
