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Colorado State Patrol Increases Effort To Combat Distracted Driving

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado State Patrol is increasing enforcement around the state as part of a larger effort to cut down on distracted driving.

The Colorado Department of Transportation says the No. 1 cause of auto crashes in the state is distracted driving, which includes adjusting the radio, eating food and of course touching cellphones.

From 2011 to 2014, the state patrol statistics show 19.7 percent of crashes are caused by inattention to driving, followed by speeding, and lastly, driving while impaired.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. CPS officials say they will be looking for the tell-tale blue glow of phones on the road. Fines for distracted driving are $50 for the first violation and $100 for the second.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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