(COLORADO) - Imagine you’re on an important call and suddenly your phone starts blinking red. LOW BATTERY. You immediately stop what you’re doing and search for a charger. Why? Because that blinking red light means urgent action is needed.
Now picture this: You’re driving home after a long day. Colorado traffic crawls. Suddenly, you notice the red warning light blinking on your dashboard. Without hesitation, you pull over and check it. Because when something blinks red, we know to take it seriously.
So why don’t we treat red light traffic lights the same way?
In 2024, Colorado State troopers responded to 401 crashes caused by drivers disregarding a traffic signal, including red lights and stop signs. As a result, 85 people were injured in these crashes, and three people lost their lives.
“In the blink of an eye, a decision to run a red light can change or end lives,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Intersections are known as high-risk areas for crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates 40% of all crashes in the US occur at intersections.”
During National Stop on Red Week, August 3-9, the Colorado State Patrol reminds all drivers: when you see red, stop. It’s not just a traffic rule-it’s a lifesaving reflex.
The Colorado State Patrol issued 1,539 citations in the past year for drivers who disregarded traffic signals and failed to stop at a stop sign. These aren’t just numbers; they represent real risks on our roadways.
According to 2024 Colorado State Patrol citation records, the top Colorado counties for disregarding a traffic control device, including stop signs, were:
- Douglas County (169)
- Arapahoe County (162)
- Adams County (156)
- El Paso County (100)
- Weld County (83)
Don’t gamble with a red light – pedestrians, other motorists and you are all at risk.
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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 protection of the Governor and other dignitaries, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrol or follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.