The paramount function of government is to protect the safety of its citizens. Today, the biggest threat to the physical safety and wellbeing of me and my family is the potential to be killed or maimed by a driver using a handheld cellphone.
We have all had to take defensive action against these drivers, often on a daily basis. CDOT has reported that 43 crashes a day in Colorado are caused by distracted drivers. The majority of those crashes are caused by drivers using handheld cellphones.
Twenty other states have already banned their use while driving. None of those states have witnessed an increase in “racial profiling” police stops, as the ACLU has contended in the past. Instead, those states have experienced lower accident rates, and consequently, now have lower insurance rates.
Senate Bill 20-65 has been introduced this session that limits the use of a cellphone while driving to only hands-free devices. It establishes a $50 fine and two points for a first offense, which increases upon subsequent violations.
Polling done in other states shows widespread public support for hands-free legislation; 83% in North Carolina, 86% in Arizona and 91% in Tennessee support similar legislation.
This bill is reasonable and modest. It is time for the Colorado Legislature and Gov. Jared Polis to take action that is good for public safety and good for Colorado’s economy. Can you hear us now?
Robert KihmCentennial
