Teen Fender Benders Don’t Have to Be a Rite of Passage

Troopers advise to drop the distractions

Teen Fender Benders Don’t Have to Be a Rite of Passage

Troopers advise to drop the distractions

(COLO) – Whether it's your teen’s first car or the families’ shared vehicle, most people can agree the cost of a crash, even fender benders, can cause significant hardship. Last year, Colorado State Troopers investigated over 3,000 property damage crashes where the at-fault driver was between 16 and 21 years old. Of these same property damage crashes, the top causal factor was driving distracted (541 crashes).

“The likelihood of a car crash increases significantly at the younger and older extremes of age,” explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Our teen drivers are gaining experience and may overestimate their competency of skills or the validity of certain laws, including the graduated driver’s license laws.”

To help curb distractions, Colorado statute prohibits drivers from picking up their electronic devices while in the driver’s seat, even to change their music or check directions. Under the Colorado Graduated License Law, new drivers with less than six months 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 description of the vehicle and report it to the police.
• In a crash, don’t panic—call the police. No matter who is at fault, wait at the scene and file a report.
• Remain with your vehicle. The safest place is to stay inside your car with your seat belt on and hazard lights on.
• Don’t move the vehicles involved in the crash.
• Be prepared to provide a driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance with law enforcement.
• Exchange name, address, phone number and insurance information of the other driver. Take photos of your vehicle’s damage and the other vehicle if safe.
• Work with your family (policy holder) to start the claims process.

The Colorado State Patrol is recognizing Distracted Driving Awareness Month by sharing data and tips to encourage all Colorado drivers to focus on one task: driving when they get behind the wheel. Colorado’s Hands Free law went into effect on January 1, 2025. There is no lane reserved for you to drive distracted, drop the distractions.

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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs.  In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrol or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.