WPBN: In an effort to keep drivers safe on the highways, Colorado will implement a number of new driving restrictions on Wednesday. Experts agree this is a positive move.
According to this year’s Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report card, Colorado received a yellow road safety score. The paper claims that some of the new driving regulations will make driving safer in Colorado.
Some of the new legislation that are going into force are as follows:
The New Weaving Law
Drivers that weave in and out of express lanes will be subject to fines starting on January 1, 2025. Drivers that enter and depart fast lanes outside of specified zones in the US 36, Central 70, and Interstate 25 South Gap corridors are subject to the change.
If not paid within 20 days, the fine rises from $75 to $150. The maximum penalty permitted by the state statute is $250.
“It’s more of a nonstop type of experience than even the highway itself. And so for that reason, there’s people jumping in and out in. It causes sideswipe accidents. It causes rear-ending accidents. It’s very dangerous,” Tim Hoover, CDOT deputy director of communications stated.
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The New Laws Regarding Car Seats
Beginning the next year, children are required to remain in a car seat or booster seat until they reach the age of nine and weigh at least forty pounds. In a previous version of the law, the minimum age was eight years old; this is an increase.
As part of the updated Colorado law, children’s car seats must be positioned so that they face the rear of the vehicle until they reach the age of two and weigh less than forty pounds. If there is a back seat available, children are required to sit in that seat.
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Hands-Free Driving Law
Because of a new law that will take effect on January 1, 2025, it will be against the law to hold a mobile phone while driving. For the purpose of making phone calls or using GPS, adult drivers are required to utilize a hands-free device.
This includes phone mounts for the dashboard, devices that support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and speaker systems that are incorporated into the vehicle.
According to the California Department of Transportation (CDOT), the new law extends the state’s existing prohibition on texting while driving.
It is a secondary violation according to the new law that you are not allowed to use your phone while you are driving. A fine of $75 and two points against your driver’s license could be imposed on you if you are found to be in violation of the new law.
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“In the 25 other states that have passed it, it actually results in almost an immediate 10% decrease in fatalities on the road. And so in Colorado, that means between 46 to 50 people will be here this time next year because this law passed,” personal injury attorney Scott O’Sullivan stated.
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