DENVER (KDVR) — In the first five months of the hands-free law, distracted driving crashes have decreased by 19%, according to a press release from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

At the same time last year, the Colorado State Patrol had responded to 1,432 distracted driving crashes, but the agency says it has only responded to 1,161 crashes in 2025 as the year hits its halfway point.

CDOT said that the decrease is positive news ahead of summer, the season that sees the biggest spike in deadly crashes.

“Summertime fun begins with safety behind the wheel. Distracted driving puts you and other motorists at risk,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk in a press release. “Whether you're headed to a pool party, Rockies game or Red Rocks concert, put your phone down and pay attention to the road. You could prevent a crash or serious injury on our roads.”

In the same five-month period of 2025, CSP said data shows that traffic deaths are down 11%, totaling 217 deaths in Colorado, compared to data from 2024.

Distracted driving deaths are the third-highest leading cause of death in crashes.

On Jan. 1, the law came into effect and makes driving while holding a cellphone or any other mobile device illegal. Hands-free accessories are still permitted under the new law.

Penalties for violating the law start with a $75 fine and two license suspension points for the first offense, although first-time violators can have the charge dismissed if they show proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory. Repeat offenders will continue to accumulate steeper fines and license suspension point penalties.

“Handheld technology is all around us, making it increasingly tempting to text and drive or glance at your phone at a stoplight. Travel safe this summer and drop the distraction – no notification, text or call is worth your life,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of CSP “With more motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians out and about during the warmer months, it’s more important than ever to focus on the road and your surroundings. Distracted driving deaths are entirely preventable.”