(COLO) – Since the *CSP (*277) program was implemented in July 1998, Colorado motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians have reported thousands of “real-time” aggressive drivers and suspected DUI drivers. Last year, the Colorado State Patrol’s *CSP calls for aggressive drivers surpassed calls regarding suspected impairment.
In 2023, Colorado State Patrol emergency dispatchers answered 55,107 total *CSP calls, with 54% (29,921) related to road rage or aggressive driving. Overall *CSP calls declined by approximately 4% from 2022 (57,899 total), but the percentage of road rage or aggressive driving calls remained flat at 54% from 2022 (31,760 aggressive driving).
“When a fellow motorist cuts you off, tailgates or makes a rude gesture, you may be tempted to respond in kind, but don’t. Anger can quickly turn to violence,” stated Chief Matthew C. Packard, Colorado State Patrol. “Your best response is to keep your cool, let the aggressive driver move on and do not engage. It’s simply not worth your energy or the risk.”
While many behaviors indicate aggressive driving or a road rage situation, some of the most notable behaviors include:
- Excessive Speeding
- Tailgating
- Honking in anger
- Making angry gestures
- Passing on the right
- Showing a weapon
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver
If you see a driver engaging these behaviors or trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes, this is another extremely dangerous situation. If you see these behaviors, you are encouraged to find a safe spot to pull over and call *CSP with a description and location of the vehicle.
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.