Distracted driving is the leading cause of fatal car crashes in Southwest Colorado, said State Patrol Capt. Adrian Driscoll.

So far this year, three out of five fatal car crashes in Southwest Colorado were attributed to distracted driving.

That includes a rollover crash in January on East Animas Road (County Road 250) that killed a woman after her vehicle rolled 2½ times before landing partially submerged in an irrigation ditch, and a four-vehicle crash also in January on U.S. Highway 550 that killed a 9-year-old boy.

“Most often what we see is speeding, distracted driving and lane violations,” Driscoll said.

Distracted driving causes an average of 40 crashes per day across Colorado, according to a news release from State Patrol.

Driscoll said distracted driving involves more than texting and making phone calls.

“We are not seeing a lot of electronic use,” he said. “The message is out that using a cellphone while driving is dangerous. We see people getting ready for work in the morning. It’s kind of old school, like dropping stuff on the floor and taking your eyes off the road.”

Distracted driving is a ticketable offense that includes adding four points to a person’s drivers license.

The state increased the penalties for texting while driving carelessly from $50 to $300 in 2017. However, the provision also made texting while driving legal in Colorado as long as it isn’t done in “a careless or imprudent manner.”

“It increased the burden of proof on law enforcement,” Driscoll said. “If someone is texting while driving and not breaking any laws, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Previously, text messaging by a driver was strictly prohibited in Colorado.

State Patrol and partner law enforcement agencies across Colorado are taking a “zero-tolerance position” on distracted driving, according to the release.

“If you’re texting and swerving all over the road and it’s causing you to lose your focus on your drive, then you will get a charge of careless driving,” Driscoll said.

mrupani@durangoherald.com