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Driving Change: Texting and driving

Posted at 5:00 PM, Feb 19, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-19 19:50:34-05

COLORADO SPRINGS — Just about everyone is guilty of it - looking at their phone behind the wheel. Over the last several years, it's become a point of discussion at the state capitol.

In 2017, state lawmakers agreed to increase the penalties and fines for texting and driving. In making those changes, lawmakers also changed how it's enforced.

For many law enforcement officers, it's become more difficult to prove. Under the law, law enforcement must prove the driver is driving carelessly with the phone in their hand. This means just because a state trooper or other officer sees someone on their phone- they can't pull them over unless they were driving in a careless manner.

On News5 on Monday, we're taking a look at the impact of the law change and the impact it's had on enforcement.

Have an issue you want Driving Change to address or a question about this story, contact us at driving change@koaa.com.