(COLO.) – In an effort to reduce speeding in less experienced drivers across the state, Colorado State Patrol’s new “Don’t Chase Cool” campaign will run from March 1, through May 30, 2022. With messaging geared specifically for Colorado’s youngest drivers ranging in age from 16-21 and their parents/guardians, this campaign’s point is simple - slow down on the roadways because speeding isn’t cool.
Speeding is an ongoing critical safety issue for young drivers and Colorado’s youth is no exception. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speed is a leading factor in 27% of the fatal crashes that involved passenger vehicle teen drivers (15-18 years old). There is also evidence from naturalistic driving studies that teens' speeding behavior increases over time, possibly as they gain confidence – an indicator that educational information and expectations for safe driving should be a key part of teens’ training and conversations with parents and guardians while learning to drive. Furthermore, parents should stay involved and continue to reinforce this information throughout several years when a child begins to drive.
Additionally, data from the Colorado State Patrol illustrates alarming trends in teen speeding statistics. In 2021 alone, 9,240 speeding citations were issued by troopers to drivers between 16-21. Looking across multiple years from 2019 – 2021, the most common citations issued to drivers from the Patrol for drivers age 16-21 was exceeding a safe speed.
“Speeding eventually catches up with you and often leads to irreversible consequences,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “People in their teens and early 20s need to know that speeding isn’t a sign of who is ‘cool’ and it definitely doesn’t equate to a person being a better driver."
The Patrol urges parents to keep paying attention to their child's driving habits after they earn their license. By reinforcing the need to drive the speed limit, it won't be just about keeping your insurance rates down, it will reduce the chance of a future tragedy.”
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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.