Colorado State Patrol cautions against touchscreen distractions in cars

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is warning against screen usage in newer cars.

Officials say that newer vehicles are beginning to install more touchscreens, posing a greater risk to drivers. CSP says in 2025, over 30 crashes were investigated as a result of people using vehicle controls like touchscreens.

CSP recommends drivers set up any GPS, climate or music before driving. Officials also recommend using voice commands and steering wheel controls when available, and turning off any unnecessary alerts, such as auto-high beams and beeping.

CSP also recommends having a passenger use the touch screen if necessary. Troopers recommend if a task starts to become too complicated, pull over to use the screens.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.