The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 31 that the state’s hands-free law has contributed to a 4.7% decrease in distracted driving, preventing approximately 600 crashes across Colorado.
The reduction in distracted driving is significant as it translates into fewer injuries and fatalities on the road, according to new data analyzed by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT). The findings are based on millions of trips tracked through smartphone apps and sensors, showing an even larger drop of 8.3% in the first month after the law took effect.
In addition to these results, Colorado State Patrol reported a nearly 9% decline in crashes involving inattentive drivers during 2025 compared to the previous year. Enforcement efforts have also increased, with troopers issuing over twice as many citations for electronic device use while driving than in 2024. “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.”
Colorado’s hands-free law prohibits holding or handling a cellphone or mobile device while operating a vehicle, including when stopped at traffic lights or congestion; exceptions apply for emergency situations and certain workers such as utility employees and first responders.
As Distracted Driving Awareness Month begins April 1, Shoshana Lew, executive director of CDOT said: “Colorado’s hands-free law is helping change habits, but it only works if drivers commit to it… When you’re behind the wheel, nothing on your phone is more important than getting everyone home safely.” Tim Vogel from CMT added: “Colorado’s results show that hands-free laws work… Even modest reductions mean fewer drivers looking at their phones and more attention on the road, which directly saves lives… We believe expanding hands-free laws will continue to drive meaningful progress in making roads safer.”
According to the official website, CDOT works to improve quality of life for residents through integrated transportation solutions aimed at delivering effective multi-modal systems while enhancing environmental standards statewide. The department oversees transportation infrastructure including interstates and highways, builds and maintains key routes, administers aviation/transit grants,and operates within highway maintenance as well as support for other transport sectors. Lew serves as executive director.
