Taking selfies is a popular activity. Today, people of all ages do this and post their “masterpieces” on social media.
However, taking a selfie can have devastating outcomes when you are driving.
What are Colorado’s laws on distracted driving?
Distracted driving in Colorado is defined as anything that takes your focus off the road. This includes texting, using your GPS, eating and – of course – even taking a selfie.
While adult drivers (those over age 18) are permitted to use cell phones to make voice calls, they are not allowed to send text messages. Drivers under 18 cannot use a cell phone for any reason. If they are caught doing this, they may be fined or even risk losing their license. The exception to this is during emergencies.
When you take a selfie while driving, you engage in all three types of distracted driving. You visually take your eyes off the road, manually take your hands off the steering wheel and cognitively take your mind off driving. This increases the risk of an accident significantly.
What if you’re the victim of a driver who was distracted by their phone?
If you are involved in an accident with a distracted driver who was taking selfies or filming the latest TikTok challenge, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s necessary to prove that the distraction caused the injury and accident, which may be possible thanks to cell phones and social media records.
It’s best to avoid distractions while behind the wheel. However, not everyone follows good advice. If you are injured by a distracted driver, knowing your legal rights will help you determine if you can file a lawsuit for compensation.
