Lawmakers are once again pushing for the passage of a ‘hands-free’ bill, following a series of unsuccessful attempts over the last 15 years.
Democratic State Senators Rhonda Fields and Chris Hansen are among the primary sponsors of the bill.
If you receive a call while driving, it is mandatory to use a hands-free device like Bluetooth. Failure to do so can result in a $50 fine and two points on your driving record for the first offense.
Advocates, such as Bicycle Colorado, have been advocating for this change for years. They have witnessed a steady increase in the number of cyclists being killed by distracted drivers.
“We attend funerals and personally meet many surviving family members who have lost their loved ones due to distracted driving. During these interactions, we have had the opportunity to speak with mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, brothers, and sisters who have experienced the devastating effects of this behavior. The grief we witness is not just a statistic to us; we understand the stories and the profound impact it has on people’s lives,” shared Pete Piccolo, representing Bicycle Colorado.
Hands-on the wheel and off the phone: Colorado bill aims to outlaw holding a phone while driving
Colorado is taking a step towards safer roads, with a new bill proposed to make it illegal to hold a phone while driving. The bill, if passed, would require drivers in the state to use hands-free devices when using their phones behind the wheel. This move is part of ongoing efforts to reduce distracted driving and improve road safety.
According to the proposed legislation, drivers would be prohibited from holding a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. This includes not only talking on the phone, but also texting, browsing the internet, or using any other app or function on the device. The bill would allow drivers to use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or voice-activated systems.
The dangers of distracted driving cannot be overstated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 alone, distracted driving claimed the lives of over 3,000 people in the United States. The use of handheld devices while driving has been identified as a major contributing factor to these accidents.
Supporters of the bill argue that prohibiting the holding of a phone while driving will help reduce distractions and keep drivers focused on the road. They believe that by encouraging the use of hands-free devices, the bill will help prevent accidents and save lives. Similar laws have already been implemented in several other states, including California, New York, and Washington.
However, some critics of the bill argue that it may not go far enough in addressing the issue of distracted driving. They believe that hands-free technology can still be a source of distraction, as it requires drivers to divert their attention from the road to interact with the device. They suggest that a complete ban on phone use while driving would be more effective in curbing distracted driving.
Whether the bill passes or not, it serves as a reminder of the importance of staying focused while behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. It is crucial for drivers to prioritize safety and avoid any activities that take their attention away from the road. By keeping their hands on the wheel and their phones out of reach, drivers can help create safer roads for everyone.
The bill is seen as overstepping existing laws, according to the Colorado Union of Taxpayers.
“I strongly urge the residents of Colorado to recognize that there are already existing laws in place. We do not require any additional legislation on this matter,” expressed Kim Monson, President of the Colorado Union of Taxpayers. “Instead, we should focus on educating ourselves and allowing the free market to address this issue. Each step towards more control over our lives chips away at our individual freedoms.”
Back in 2022, there was a previous attempt to enforce hands-free devices as a legal requirement.
The Senate committee unanimously approved the advancement of Senate Bill 65 earlier this month.
The bill has now been forwarded to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
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