Smartwatches have become a common accessory for people of all ages. With notifications, messages, and calls just a wrist tap away, they offer serious convenience. But when it comes to driving, that convenience can come at a dangerous cost.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver—whether they were using a phone or smartwatch—Debbie Taussig Law is here to help. Our team has the experience and compassion to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Smartwatches Distract Drivers
These devices are designed to keep us constantly connected—but that can be a big problem behind the wheel. Smartwatch distractions come in three main forms:
- Visual Distraction: Looking at your wrist to read a message takes your eyes off the road. And because the screen is so small, it often takes longer to read.
- Manual Distraction: Navigating a smartwatch usually means lifting a hand off the wheel to tap or swipe.
- Cognitive Distraction: Even just thinking about the content of a notification can pull your mental focus away from driving.
At Debbie Taussig Law, we understand how even a few seconds of distraction can lead to life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one was harmed by a distracted driver, we’re here to hold them accountable.
What the Research Says
Studies found that smartwatches might actually be more distracting than smartphones. Why? Because they’re always on your wrist—easy to check and hard to ignore, unlike phones that may be tucked away in a bag or pocket.
The Situation in Colorado
Distracted driving is a serious issue in Colorado. In 2020 alone, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported more than 10,000 crashes linked to distracted driving. Those crashes led to nearly 1,500 injuries and 68 deaths. Despite this, over 90% of drivers in the state admitted to driving while distracted.
To address the problem, Colorado passed a hands-free law that took effect on January 1, 2025. It bans the use of handheld devices while driving unless you’re using a hands-free system. Since then, citations for distracted driving have jumped by 135%, showing both increased enforcement and awareness.
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving crash, it’s important to work with a legal team that understands the ins and outs of Colorado’s updated laws. At Debbie Taussig Law, we use every legal tool available to advocate for our clients’ rights.
Do Smartwatches Count Under the Law?
Technically, the hands-free law focuses on phones—but smartwatches fall into a gray area. Legal experts say if a smartwatch is being used in a way that takes your attention off the road, it could still count as distracted driving. And if you’re involved in a crash, that detail could matter.
Tips to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel
If you wear a smartwatch, here are a few simple ways to avoid unnecessary risk:
- Turn Off Notifications: Use “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving.
- Hands Off: Don’t use your smartwatch for texts, calls, or apps while the car is moving.
- Use Your Car’s Tech: Rely on built-in hands-free features for important calls.
- Pull Over: If you really need to check your watch, do it when you’re safely off the road.
The Bottom Line
Smartwatches are incredibly useful—but using them while driving can be just as dangerous as texting on a phone. As Colorado continues to crack down on distracted driving, it’s more important than ever to keep your focus where it belongs: on the road. Your safety, and the safety of everyone around you, depends on it.
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Debbie Taussig Law today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to get you the justice you deserve. Call us at 303-442-0176.
