In 2025, Colorado State Patrol troopers investigated 521 injury or fatal, at-fault crashes involving distracted driving by drivers aged 16-21 years old. Gaining experience begins with 50 hours of supervised driving time with a permit and this is an opportunity to instill safe habits from the start.
“As parents work with their kids to earn hours behind the wheel, they have the opportunity to instill ‘non-negotiables’ right up front,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Require a hands-free device in the vehicle, put the phone on do not disturb, or have the student driver store their phone in the glove box before starting the car, every time.”
To help curb distractions, Colorado law prohibits drivers from holding their electronic devices while in the driver’s seat, even to change their music or check directions. In addition, under the Colorado Graduated License Law, new drivers with less than six months of driving experience are prohibited from having any passengers unless a licensed 21-year-old passenger is present. After the first six months, teens are allowed one passenger, and everyone in the vehicle, regardless of age or location, must be properly buckled.
The graduated license law solved a serious problem in Colorado. Data shows a nearly 50% reduction in teen driving fatalities from the inception of these laws in 1999 to 2019.
When a young or new driver hits the road, they encounter the same risky and challenging driving scenarios that you do,” stated Col. Packard. “That is why we hope parents will join us in encouraging young drivers to drop the distractions while behind the wheel. This means that parents should model the same behavior. Kids observe and learn from you as they age.”
If your teen or new driver does get into a crash, do they know what to do? Get involved and educate your young driver about their responsibilities.
- If the other driver leaves, never chase them. Instead, try to get the license plate number and vehicle description, and report it to the police.
- Don’t panic—call 9-1-1. No matter who is at fault, wait at the scene, and file a report with the police.
- Remain with your vehicle. The safest place is inside your car, with your seat belt on and hazard lights on.
- Be prepared to provide a driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance to law enforcement.
- Exchange name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver. Take photos of your vehicle’s damage and, if safe, the other vehicle.
