(COLORADO)—Troopers and port of entry officers know that crashes involving commercial motor vehicles or large trucks can inflict more damage, so they conduct thousands of inspections, chain check events, and educational talks each year. However, reducing the frequency of these crashes doesn’t stem from a singular problem and will require the attention and safe driving practices of every motorist on the road. This includes drivers staying focused on the road, providing space around the CMVs, including staying out of their blind spots, and avoiding unsafe passing that results in “cutting off” a large vehicle.
(COLORADO)—Troopers and port of entry officers know that crashes involving commercial motor vehicles or large trucks can inflict more damage, so they conduct thousands of inspections, chain check events, and educational talks each year. However, reducing the frequency of these crashes doesn’t stem from a singular problem and will require the attention and safe driving practices of every motorist on the road. This includes drivers staying focused on the road, providing space around the CMVs, including staying out of their blind spots, and avoiding unsafe passing that results in “cutting off” a large vehicle.
While a common perception is that the vast majority of CMV-involved crashes are due to the skills and behaviors of the professional driver or the mechanical quality of the CMV, Patrol crash data shows that approximately a third of the fatal crashes involving a CMV are caused by the CMV driver, leaving both the drivers of passenger vehicles and truck drivers with work to do to continue the downward trend. So far, in 2024, CSP-investigated 31 CMV-involved crashes; 10 out of the 31 were CMV-at fault, which comes out to 32.2%.
Looking at CMV approaches, on average, Colorado State Patrol members conduct 40,000 commercial inspections annually, and hundreds of educational audits and safety talks are provided to trucking companies. From September through May, monthly chain check inspections are performed at Ports of Entry, roadside checkpoints, and multi-day mobile check inspection operations.
In addition, the Colorado State Patrol is including technology to reach thousands of truckers. Last year, the Patrol undertook an initiative with Drivewyze, a commercial vehicle technology provider, to begin providing in-cab safety messaging. While other states have used this product to provide messages to drivers, Colorado is the first state to use it in the way we are.
The Patrol’s first geo-fenced message was implemented on I-70 at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT). The simple message warned drivers of the steep grade ahead and to “Gear Down—Slow Down.” This site was selected based on Patrol crash data indicating a problem with speed. Of particular note was the data suggesting high instances of crashes where inexperience and lack of familiarity with the area were factors. The results were that we saw an average decrease in speed of 4.3 MPH for those vehicles we alerted.
The same message was then implemented on Wolf Creek Pass. Through August of this year, the Patrol had pushed alerts to over 16,000 CMVs, with the majority of those being along the I-70 corridor.
As new drivers and companies come to Colorado, continuous work needs to be done. After a peak in CMV-involved fatal crashes in 2021 (79 crashes), there were two consecutive years of double-digit declines. In 2022, Colorado had 64 fatal crashes involving a CMV, a reduction of 18.9% compared to the previous year. In 2023, the State had 52 fatal crashes involving a CMV, a reduction of another 18.7%. Now, in 2024, Colorado is experiencing a slight uptick statewide. Year to date, we have had 48 fatal CMV-involved crashes statewide compared to 43 at this same time last year.
“The severity of CMV-involved crashes cannot be ignored,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Historically, CMV crashes begin to trend upward in October and peak in January for Colorado. While enforcement and education happen year-round, our Troopers and Port of Entry officer's proactive activities ramp up this time of year to keep crashes down and help save lives.”
The Colorado roadway with the largest number of CMV-related crashes remains I-70. The I-70 mountain corridor is the most significant area of focus for enforcement, education, and safety checks. In fact, a recent review of runaway truck ramp usage on I-70 revealed that 65% of drivers who had to use a truck ramp had five years or less of driving experience. Crashes and runaway truck ramp usage pointed to driver inexperience and a lack of familiarity with driving on this interstate corridor.
CSP partners closely with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the trucking industry through organizations like the Colorado Motor Carriers Association (CMCA) to enhance road safety. A key example of these cooperative efforts was the creation of the Mountain Rules; a campaign focused on providing truck drivers with important information to help them safely navigate Colorado’s mountains.
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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.