Distracted driving is a well-known hazard, but its impact among commercial vehicle operators—especially truck and bus drivers—is often underestimated. In Colorado, where our highways are busy with freight transport and long-haul drivers, the risks of distraction behind the wheel of a multi-ton vehicle can be catastrophic. At Debbie Taussig Law, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation these crashes can cause. Our team is committed to holding negligent commercial drivers accountable and fighting for justice on behalf of those injured in preventable collisions.
The Scope of the Problem in Colorado
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), distracted driving continues to be a serious issue. A 2023 survey revealed that 77% of drivers admitting to using their phones while driving. While that includes all drivers, commercial truck drivers are far from immune—and the consequences of their distraction are often far more devastating.
Nationally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that truck drivers who dial a phone while driving are six times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event.
Why Truck Driver Distraction is So Dangerous
Unlike passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers and other large trucks can weigh 20–30 times more than the average car. When a distracted truck driver misses a crucial moment to brake or swerves unexpectedly, the damage can be catastrophic. These collisions often result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Crushed limbs and amputations
- Burn injuries from fires or explosions
- Multiple fractures and long-term disabilities
- Wrongful death
Victims in smaller vehicles almost always suffer the most severe harm in truck-related crashes—and distraction is an increasing factor.
Colorado and Federal Laws on Distracted Commercial Driving
Colorado’s 2025 hands-free law prohibits most drivers from holding or manually using mobile devices while driving. However, the law specifically exempts commercial drivers operating commercial vehicles. Instead, these drivers fall under strict federal FMCSA regulations, which prohibit:
- Holding a mobile phone to make or receive a call
- Texting while driving
- Reaching for a phone in a manner that requires them to leave a seated, seat-belted position
Violations of these rules can result in:
- Fines up to $2,750 for individual drivers
- Fines up to $11,000 for employers who allow or require phone use
- Driver disqualification for repeat offenses
These laws are clear: distracted truck driving is not only dangerous, it’s illegal.
Holding Distracted Truck Drivers Accountable
At Debbie Taussig Law, we have seen firsthand how devastating crashes involving commercial trucks can be. When these collisions are caused by distraction—whether it’s a text message, GPS programming, or even eating behind the wheel—innocent lives can be shattered in an instant.
We take these cases seriously. Our legal team investigates:
- The truck driver’s phone records
- GPS and electronic logging data
- Onboard cameras and black box evidence
- Trucking company policies and safety violations
We work to hold both the driver and the trucking company accountable, ensuring our clients receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, long-term care, pain and suffering, and more.
Conclusion: Safer Roads Start with Accountability
Distracted driving among truck drivers isn’t just a safety issue—it’s a public health threat. When these operators are not fully focused on the road, lives are at risk.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a distracted truck driver in Colorado, contact Debbie Taussig Law. Our Boulder-based, woman-owned firm is dedicated to standing up for those harmed by preventable negligence. Let us help you get the justice—and the care—you deserve.
