Colorado State Patrol Warns Touchscreens Can Increase Distracted Driving Risks

Description: Colorado State Patrol reminds drivers to set vehicle controls before driving as touchscreens, climate settings and infotainment systems create distraction risks on the road.

Taking Your Eyes Off the Road for Touchscreens

Set your controls before you drive

(COLO) – If you are driving a new vehicle, it's likely that safety features, climate control, and stereo have all been moved into a touchscreen. Buttons and knobs are on the decline in favor of a sleeker, more modern look. Learning your vehicle's system can take extra attention, and even with experience, troopers still see how interior and vehicle control distractions pose a greater risk to drivers. In 2025, troopers investigated 38 crashes directly tied to people manipulating vehicle controls.

"As technology continues to improve over time, drivers need to accept and act against its limitations today. Touchscreens can be less efficient or safe in certain circumstances," stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Every vehicle is different, so get to know it. If your vehicle requires scrolling to turn on important features, like a defogger, have a passenger do this for you if one is available."

A 2022 Swedish study found that using touchscreens can take twice as long as nobs or buttons, with some tasks requiring up to 20 seconds; and a recent University of Washington study found that drivers using touchscreens drifted side-to-side in the lane 42 percent more often.

As the manufacturing industry decides which functions are best controlled by touchscreens and what buttons and knobs should remain, drivers need to prioritize their own safety and that of other roadway users.

Before You Drive

As with any new tool or device, it's best to take your time learning how to use it to reduce frustration and improve efficiency. When it comes to a vehicle, your safety matters too. Learn the touchscreen interface while parked before you head out.

1. Pre-drive setup: program your GPS, adjust climate control, and set up playlists before starting your drive.
2. Voice Commands: if available, use built-in voice commands for navigation, music, calls, etc. to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
3. Leverage Steering Wheel Controls: if available, use steering wheel buttons for volume, track skipping, calls, etc., instead of the touchscreen.
4. Configure Alerts: reduce distractions by turning off unnecessary or overly sensitive alerts (e.g., auto-high beams, beeps, etc.)
5. Pull Over: if a task becomes complex with multiple layers of screens, pull over and safely complete the task.

The Colorado State Patrol is focused on curbing dangerous, avoidable driving behaviors during Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer by sharing data and tips to encourage all Colorado drivers to focus on one task: driving. Colorado's Hands Free law went into effect on January 1, 2025. Seconds Matter, drop the distractions.

Follow SECO News on Facebook.
Subscribe to the SECO News YouTube Channel.

Press releases Sponsor