(COLO) – School zones and construction zones have lower speed limits, traffic calming devices and a number of high-visibility warning devices for drivers for good reason. Kids' and roadside workers' lives are at risk. Yet, when looking at data from the Colorado State Patrol in 2023, troopers alone cited 1,237 people for speeding in construction or school zones, a 12% increase over 2022 (1102 citations).
“Kids, neighbors and road workers are counting on you, Colorado! Currently, motorists are failing these vulnerable populations,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Motorists should never assume people will not be present in these low-speed zones and follow the law because people’s lives literally depend on you.”
Speeding is a common type of aggressive driving, and it can happen on neighborhood streets as well as busy four-lane highways.
“Speeding can be habit forming, but it doesn’t make it excusable,” explains Col. Packard. “When you don’t drive cautiously and lawfully in school and work zones, you display extreme indifference to your neighbors and community.”
According to Colorado State Patrol data, 48 of Colorado’s 64 counties had at least one instance of a driver receiving a citation in either a work zone or school zone. The top five counties with the most speeding citations issued by Colorado State Troopers in these low-speed zones in 2023 were:
- El Paso County (222)
- Larimer County (131)
- Adams County (127)
- Mesa County (111)
- Garfield County (88)
Troopers are asking you to put away the distractions and look for the mobile and permanent signs that prompt you to slow down or follow shifting lane patterns. Keep your cool by practicing your patience and always leave extra space between your vehicle and other motorists, equipment or people.
Troopers continue to take a low-tolerance approach to the top fatal crash factors, including lane violations, impaired driving and speeding, while launching a yearlong campaign called “Drive Safe.” This campaign celebrates positive driving behaviors and encourages all of us to drive like a trooper is riding with you.
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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.