Chair of LPCO on TV Channel 7

Chair of LPCO on TV Channel 7

Do you ever talk on your cell phone while driving? Or do you drink a beverage or eat a snack while driving? Perhaps you listen to CDs while driving. Well... under Colorado House Bill 1006, if a driver is "knowingly distracted" (willfully diverting attention from driving) by anything when committing a "moving traffic violation" (e.g., speeding, improper lane change, etc.), then the "applicable penalties and surcharges" (ticket) will be DOUBLED!

HB 1006 actually lists several specific activities that an officer may cite as having caused a driver to become "knowingly distracted" - including use of cell phones (including those with a headphone or headset), digital music players (e.g., CD Players), grooming, eating and drinking. If this bill passes, will traffic cops be staking out fast food restaurants with drive thru windows?

Other distractions, though not specifically listed, may include misbehaving children... or even changing radio stations while driving! Clearly, this is NOT an effective use of our police! Legislators should be enacting laws to protect people and their property... not forcing police officers to speculate as to the various reasons "why" people violate the traffic laws.

TV Channel 7 aired coverage of this Bill on Wednesday - and included comments from the LPCO Chairman, Travis Nicks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4oJVJWPWfQ