Is Distracted Driving as Dangerous as Drinking and Driving in Aurora?

When most people think about dangerous driving behaviors, drunk driving is often the first that comes to mind. For decades, public service campaigns have focused on the devastating consequences of alcohol-impaired driving. But in Aurora and across Colorado, a newer threat has steadily risen in severity: distracted driving. Whether it’s texting, adjusting your GPS, or even eating behind the wheel, distractions can be just as deadly as alcohol.

This raises an important question for Aurora residents: Is distracted driving as dangerous as drinking and driving? We examine the dangers of both, discuss how the law treats these behaviors, explore what victims should know if they are involved in a crash, and explain how an Aurora distracted driving accident lawyer can help protect your rights.

The Growing Concern of Distracted Driving

In Aurora, distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from operating a vehicle safely. The most common example is cellphone use, especially texting, but it can also include eating, adjusting in-car entertainment, or even conversations with passengers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. In Aurora, where busy roads like I-225 and Colfax Avenue see heavy traffic, the consequences of even a few seconds of distraction can be catastrophic.

Drunk Driving: A Long-Recognized Hazard

Drunk driving has been criminalized and heavily penalized in Colorado for decades. Alcohol impairs coordination, slows reaction times, and diminishes judgment, all of which dramatically increase the likelihood of an accident. Despite public awareness campaigns, arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) remain frequent.

In Aurora, law enforcement continues to dedicate significant resources to combating impaired driving, including checkpoints and saturation patrols.

Comparing the Risks: Distracted vs. Drunk Driving

So, is distracted driving just as dangerous as drunk driving in Aurora? The comparison is not always straightforward, because each behavior affects drivers in slightly different ways. However, research shows striking similarities in the risks they create and the dangers they pose to everyone on the road.

Impairment of Reaction Time

Drunk drivers suffer delayed reflexes because alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, slowing down their ability to recognize hazards. This delay often means they react too late to avoid collisions, especially in fast-moving or unpredictable traffic situations. Even a split second of hesitation can mean the difference between a near miss and a serious crash.

Distracted drivers experience similar delays, but for a different reason; their attention is diverted away from the task of driving. When their focus shifts to a phone screen, food, or another distraction, they cannot process what is happening on the road in real time. This gap in awareness creates a dangerous lag in their responses, leaving them unable to react effectively to sudden changes in traffic.

Likelihood of Severe Accidents

Both distracted and drunk drivers are prone to high-speed collisions, rear-end crashes, and lane departures. These types of accidents often result in significant damage and serious injuries because the drivers are either unaware of the danger or too slow to avoid it. In many cases, victims suffer long-term physical and financial consequences due to the severity of these crashes.

Studies also show that when a driver is impaired, whether it be by alcohol or distraction, they often fail to brake or swerve in time, increasing the impact of the collision. This lack of evasive action not only raises the likelihood of severe accidents but also contributes to higher fatality rates. Victims are often left dealing with devastating consequences that could have been prevented if the driver had been fully alert.

Perception vs. Reality

While society generally views drunk driving as dangerous and socially unacceptable, many people in Aurora still treat distracted driving as harmless multitasking. This attitude can lead drivers to underestimate the risks and continue engaging in distracting behaviors behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this cultural mindset creates an environment where distracted driving is normalized instead of discouraged.

This difference in perception makes distracted driving in Aurora particularly alarming, because the danger is often underestimated until tragedy strikes. Unlike drunk driving, which most people actively avoid, distracted driving is still seen as manageable by many motorists. However, the reality is that distraction behind the wheel can be just as deadly as alcohol impairment.

The Evidence from Studies

In fact, some studies suggest distracted drivers may be just as dangerous, if not more so, than drunk drivers in certain situations. Texting while driving, for example, combines cognitive, manual, and visual distraction, making it one of the most hazardous behaviors on the road. Research has found that texting drivers may have slower reaction times and poorer lane control than drivers who are legally intoxicated.

These findings highlight the urgent need to treat distracted driving in Aurora with the same seriousness as drunk driving. Both behaviors place lives at risk and demand accountability from those who choose to engage in them. For victims in Aurora, the consequences are the same: severe injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma that last long after the crash.

Distracted and Drunk Driving Laws in Colorado

Colorado has implemented legal measures to reduce both distracted and drunk driving behaviors. These laws are designed to protect all motorists and to hold negligent drivers accountable when their actions cause harm.

Aurora Distracted Driving Laws

It is illegal for drivers under the age of 18 to use cellphones while driving, including both calls and texts. This rule is intended to keep younger, less experienced drivers focused solely on the road.

Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers, regardless of age or experience. Lawmakers recognize that even a few seconds of distraction can result in devastating accidents.

Violations of these laws can lead to fines and points on your license. In addition, a distracted driver may also face civil liability if their actions result in injuries to others.

Drunk Driving Laws

A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is presumed legally impaired under Colorado law. At this level, reaction time, judgment, and coordination are significantly affected, making driving extremely unsafe.

Colorado also enforces Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) laws for drivers with a BAC as low as 0.05%. Even at this lower threshold, alcohol can hinder driving ability and increase accident risk.

Penalties for drunk driving can include license suspension, steep fines, and possible jail time. Offenders are also often required to attend mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs.

Why This Matters for Victims

For victims of accidents, the legal distinction between distracted driving and drunk driving is crucial. Regardless of the cause, both behaviors are considered negligent, and the at-fault driver can be held financially responsible for damages.

While drivers can technically file claims independently, pursuing compensation on your own can be overwhelming. Working with an Aurora distracted driving accident lawyer gives victims the best chance of building a strong case and securing the compensation they deserve.

Committed to Protecting Your Future

At Genco Injury Attorneys, we understand how devastating a distracted driving accident in Aurora can be. Our team has handled numerous motor vehicle accident cases in Aurora and throughout Colorado. We are dedicated to helping injured clients recover compensation for medical care, lost income, and the emotional toll these accidents cause.

When you work with us, you can expect clear communication, thorough investigation of your case, and a strong focus on holding negligent drivers accountable. We know how insurance companies operate, and we work tirelessly to make sure our clients are not pressured into accepting unfair settlements.

The Support You Need, When You Need It Most

Distracted driving may not always carry the same stigma as drunk driving, but its dangers are just as real, and just as devastating. Both behaviors put innocent lives at risk, and victims deserve justice when they suffer harm.

If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving crash in Aurora, don’t face the process alone. Contact Genco Injury Attorneys at 303-590-3645 to discuss your options with a skilled distracted driving accident attorney in Aurora. Taking the first step toward recovery starts with understanding your rights and securing the support you need.