(COLO) – Hitting the gas instead of the brake when the traffic lights change, slow rolling through a stop sign or completely disregarding traffic control devices is a dangerous and potentially deadly decision. Last year, Colorado State Troopers issued 794 citations to motorists disregarding or failing to obey traffic control devices such as stop signs, traffic lights and flashing red/yellow signal lights. This is a slight 1.5% increase over 2023 (782).
“Ignoring traffic control devices is the decision to break a rule at everyone else’s expense. And the ultimate cost in this case is death,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Intersections are inherently dangerous places. Don't expect a warning if we see you make a reckless choice.”
While morning rush hours from Monday through Wednesday showed high numbers of citations, the peak day for citations was Monday. Citations on Mondays were most prevalent between 7 a.m.- 9 a.m. and again from 3 – 6 p.m.
According to Colorado State Patrol crash data, in 2024, Troopers responded to 502 crashes involving a roadway user who disregarded a traffic control device.
As red light running appears to be accelerating across Colorado communities, it is helpful to see how Colorado compares to the rest of the nation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s most recent red-light data (2021) found that 1,109 people died from red-light running. When the states were ranked, Colorado was the sixth highest state with 44 lives lost.
“If you are tempted to ignore a traffic signal to save time, ask yourself if you can live with the consequence of harming your passenger or the pedestrian you failed to see,” asked Col. Packard. “Traffic violence can stem from poor split-second decisions. As a driver, it is your responsibility to place safety over your convenience. That means following the rules designed to keep all road users safe.”
Troopers are taking a low-tolerance approach to the top fatal crash factors, including lane violations and speeding while launching a three-month campaign called “Stop Speeding.” This campaign wants every Colorado driver to break the myth that speeding is a “victimless crime” and encourages you to drive like a trooper is riding with you.
###
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.