(COLORADO) – With increased traffic on Colorado roadways comes increased risk. Colorado lost 716 lives on Colorado roadways in 2023, with July being the worst month on record for traffic deaths in the state, with 90 people killed in a single month (CDOT). This year, Colorado State Troopers intend to send a clear message to drive with safety at the forefront as the season heats up despite increased congestion.
On June 7, 2024, the Colorado State Patrol and various local law enforcement agencies will be out in full force looking for motorists who are putting the rest of us in harm's way. On this statewide surge enforcement day, troopers will lower their tolerance for lane violations, speeding, and careless and reckless driving behaviors. Areas around the state that experience increased traffic volumes in the summer months, such as Highways 34, 40, 50, 160, and 287, along with the I-70 and I-25 corridors, are certain to see more troopers.
If you would like to avoid a citation, we have a few simple driving safety tips:
- Follow the posted speed limits, and if conditions warrant it, drive a safe speed below the limit. Many factors determine the set speed limit on any given roadway. Oftentimes, those limits are appropriate until unforeseen circumstances call for a speed reduction. Some considerations are:
- Weather
- Wildlife
- Any activity on the right shoulder, including police activity or a citizen changing a tire
- Heavy traffic
- Road damage
- Sun glare
- Put down all distractions.
- Let the front seat passenger navigate and pick a back seat passenger to DJ.
- Take advantage of the restaurant's dining rooms and avoid eating meals in the driver’s seat. Get those snacks ready and accessible before driving.
- If you see an aggressive driver, keep your cool. Distance yourself from that driver and avoid eye contact. Have a passenger call *CSP and report the driver, but DO NOT attempt to follow the vehicle.
- Be certain everyone in your vehicle is buckled up; it is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
- Keep all items like coolers and handbags tightly stowed away. When breaking hard or crashing, any unsecured item can become dangerous to the occupants of your vehicle.
- NEVER use any impairing substance before or while driving. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. The first thing to go with impairment is your decision-making, and deciding you are still okay after using your substance of choice could be the last decision you make.
As a reminder, troopers are on high alert for those seatbelt violations. Warnings will not be issued for safety restraint violations as we continue our “Buckle Like a Boss” campaign. This campaign is designed to increase Colorado’s voluntary seatbelt compliance from 88% in 2023 to meet the national average of 92%.
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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.