POLICE NOT IMMUNE TO DANGERS OF DISTRACTED DRIVING

fort collins » Authorities in Larimer County are not immune to problems with distracted driving, racking up seven distracted-driving accidents in Fort Collins alone over the past six years.

Officers warn drivers about using smartphones, GPS systems and touch-screen car radios, but police also have to contend with squawking radios and on-board computers.

Officers say they face a steady stream of information while on patrol, some of it potentially lifesaving information that needs attention, even while driving.

Fort Collins police officers were found at fault in 79 crashes since April 1, 2009, department statistics show. Seven were due to distracted driving related to officers’ onboard computers.

Three accidents involved hitting another vehicle and two officers were cited, the Coloradoan reported.

Across the nation, an average of nine people are killed and 1,153 injured daily in crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Officers are allowed to use their computers for official business, but they are barred from using their equipment for Internet browsing, social media or e-mails.

“It is relatively vague just because we have to let the officers do their work,” said Cory Christensen, deputy chief with Fort Collins Police Services.

In Fort Collins, officers are directed to use smartphones and handheld devices only in urgent situations and to pull over when practical.

Residents who see what they believe to be improper behavior on the roads are urged to contact the agency. Officers may be reprimanded or issued a warning from supervisors, Christensen said.

BBB