(COLORADO) – While driving under the influence and distracted driving are often looked down upon socially, speeding isn’t always looked at as negatively. Yet, speeding continues to be a leading causal factor for fatal and injury crashes across Colorado for incidents investigated by the Colorado State Patrol, including those involving our youngest drivers.
In fact, speeding was in the top two for accident causal factors of drivers between the ages of 16-21 years old in both 2019 and 2020. In addition, speeding took the top two spots for citations issued by the Colorado State Patrol during this same two-year time period for these drivers.
- Speeding: 10-19 miles over the posted speed limit. (combined two-year total: 12,592)
- Speeding: 20-39 miles over the posted speed limit. (combined two-year total: 7,078)
Despite thousands of tickets, Colorado roadways are still experiencing motorists of all ages traveling higher than the posted speeds and putting lives at risk. “As younger drivers gain confidence, we often find speed becoming an issue, so parents who monitor this behavior while explaining the importance of posted speed limits can help” explained Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
Teen and new drivers do not have the experience necessary to recognize and react appropriately to dangerous situations, making speeding even riskier for them, their passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians around them. This has prompted the Colorado State Patrol to launch a summer-long education and awareness campaign for the public focusing on speeding drivers.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure they are following the law and not exceeding safe and prudent speeds, however, parents and other adults can play a role in guiding appropriate driving principles. This includes lowering speeds in neighborhoods, school zones, construction zones, and poor weather or road conditions, as posted speed limits are designed for clear, dry roadways.
“Speeding is a type of aggressive driving behavior,” explains Colonel Packard. “Talking to your young driver regularly about rules and responsibilities as well as setting a good example makes an impact.”
Speed limits are not suggestions; they’re designed to keep everyone as safe as possible as we all travel to our destinations. Slow Your Roll, Colorado.
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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.