Press Release

(COLO) – The Colorado State Patrol is seeing an alarming upward trend of hit-and-run crashes across the state of Colorado. When looking at all hit-and-run crashes investigated by the Colorado State Patrol, including property, there was a 22% increase in the first quarter of 2023.

“If you hit a vehicle, a person, or another piece of property, don’t panic,” stated Chief Matthew C. Packard, Colorado State Patrol. “Operating out of fear will only worsen this situation. Stay at the scene, check to make sure you and anyone are injured and call 9-1-1 to report the collision.”

(COLO) – You’re commuting to work thinking about the day ahead and before you know it you are out of your neighborhood and on the highway. You’re running errands and your mind wanders back to the conversation with your friends.

(COLO) – With the rise of new technology features made available by smartphones and built-in dashboard computers, there are many ways people can get distracted behind the wheel.

(COLO) – To many Coloradoans’ pets are a part of the family and they often accompany us on the road. But how many people who travel with their furry friends are putting them into a harness, a pet carrier or a crate? Any activity, like petting your dog or reaching back to provide a treat to your cat, that takes a driver’s attention away from driving is considered distracted driving. In addition, a free-roaming pet can turn into a deadly projectile during a crash or sudden stop

(COLO) – Distractions while driving aren’t always something we hold in our hands or sit in our passenger seat, sometimes our body’s physical condition, like drowsiness, can be a distraction and prevent us from focusing. According to the National Safety Council, drowsy driving is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol and can make drivers three times more likely to be in a car crash if they are fatigued.

(COLO) – No one starts their vehicle thinking that they are going to injure or kill someone today, yet Colorado State Troopers investigated 600 crashes across the state in 2022 where the at-fault driver was cited for being inattentive to driving.

Distracted driving can come in many forms such as texting, dealing with a fussy child, eating or fiddling with dashboard technology, but studies indicate that a person’s lack of focus may linger beyond the completion of one of these tasks.

(COLO) – Constructions zones have lower speed limits and a number of high-visibility warning devices for good reason, these areas can be dangerous and deadly for roadside workers. Yet despite efforts to capture driver focus and encourage safe driving through work zones, in 2022, Colorado State Troopers investigated 1,138 crashes in construction zones across the state.

(COLO) – The Colorado State Patrol investigated 600 serious injury or fatal crashes across the state in 2022 where the at-fault driver was cited for inattentive driving. In 37 of those crashes, the driver was operating a commercial motor vehicle, this was a 236% increase over 2021.

(COLO) – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Colorado State Patrol wants motorists to remember that there is no lane reserved for those who choose to drive in a distracted and hazardous manner. When you choose to pick up your phone, drink your morning coffee or hold onto your pet while driving, you become a danger to every motorist on the road with you.

COLO- St. Patrick’s Day weekend is no reason to party without a plan.  Colorado State Troopers will be out in full force across the state looking for those who choose poorly by getting behind the wheel while impaired.

When operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs, including marijuana, you are putting yourself and others in danger.