(COLO)—Sharing the roads means sharing the responsibility. While motorists need to be on the lookout for runners, bicyclists, and walkers, it’s equally important for pedestrians to avoid complacency about traffic rules put in place for their safety. Last year (2023), Colorado hit a record for pedestrian fatalities, with 153 people killed (foot and bicycle). This is an 18% increase over 2022.
“There is no question about who will suffer the most in a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Whether it's self-preservation or common sense, pedestrians must be just as aware of their surroundings as motorists are.”
Distractions while driving, walking, or biking are everywhere. Whether you have your head down looking at your phone or wearing earbuds that cancel out helpful traffic noises, focusing on where you are going is the solution. Every age group is vulnerable, and incidents happen at all times of day, but the majority occur at night.
Drivers are responsible for watching for pedestrians and following traffic rules designed to protect them. However, pedestrians need to stay alert as much as drivers do. If a pedestrian contributes to a crash in some way, such as not following traffic signals, walking into the street while intoxicated or crossing without checking for traffic, he or she may be assigned partial or full fault for the collision.
When the Colorado State Patrol looked at the top citations involving pedestrians from 2023, the most common was an individual’s disregard for the safety device trying to protect them.
2023 Top Citations Involving Pedestrians Colorado State Patrol | |
Pedestrian Disregarded Traffic Control Device | 48 |
Pedestrian Failed to (walk/ride) (along/upon) Roadway as Required | 16 |
Pedestrian Solicitated Rides in the Roadway | 16 |
Pedestrian (Disregarded/Failed to Obey) Traffic Control Signal | 11 |
Pedestrian on Highway Under the Influence of Alcohol/Controlled Substance | 9 |
Rode Bicycle/Electrical Assisted Bicycle/Electric Scooter in Careless Manner | 8 |
Pedestrian Failed to Yield Right-of-Way to Vehicle | 7 |
Pedestrian Suddenly (walked/ran/rode bicycle) into Path of Vehicle | 7 |
Being a better pedestrian means demonstrating responsibility for your personal safety. The Colorado State Patrol and National Safety Council offer these important tips:
- Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
- Follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs and signals.
- When available, cross streets at crosswalks.
- Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you.
- Stay alert – avoid cell phone use and do not wear earbuds.
- Avoid alcohol and drug impairment when walking or biking.
- At night, wear bright/or reflective clothing or use a flashlight.
- A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS: Children younger than ten should cross the street with an adult.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.