(COLORADO) - October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Colorado State Patrol wants motorists and pedestrians to do their part as they share the road. According to Colorado State Patrol crash data, troopers responded to 219 injury and fatal pedestrian-involved crashes in 2024, a 25% increase over 2023.
When examining 2024 citations involving pedestrians issued by Colorado State Troopers, the most common motorist violation was failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk (31 citations, a 24% increase over 2023). When the Colorado State Patrol examined the top citations involving pedestrians from 2024, the number of citations with pedestrians at fault had increased drastically from 2021. Many citation types doubled or tripled in amount.
“Safety is a shared responsibility,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “It’s easy to point the finger at drivers, because there is no contest on who would suffer the most in a crash. However, they are not always responsible for these crashes.”
2021 vs 2024 Top Citations Involving Pedestrians Colorado State Patrol | ||
Description | 2021 | 2024 |
Pedestrian (Disregarded/Failed to Obey) Traffic Control Signal | 11 | 13 |
Pedestrian Disregarded Traffic Control Device | 11 | 30 |
Pedestrian Failed to Cross Roadway as Required | 7 | 23 |
Pedestrian Solicited Rides in the Roadway | 5 | 2 |
Pedestrian Failed to (walk/ride) (along/upon) Roadway as Required | 7 | 23 |
Pedestrian Suddenly (walked/ran/rode bicycle) into Path of Vehicle | 8 | 16 |
Pedestrian on Highway Under the Influence of Alcohol/Controlled Substance | 6 | 15 |
Rode Bicycle/Electrical Assisted Bicycle/Electric Scooter in a Careless Manner | 0 | 11 |
Pedestrians can reduce the chance of being hit by being predictable. That means following traffic rules and obeying traffic signals are designed for everyone’s safety.
Looking at fatal and injury crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists investigated by the Colorado State Patrol, neighborhood streets or rural roads were the most common locations where crashes occurred. In 2024, Thursday and Monday had the most pedestrian/bicycle crashes, with double-digit crash numbers every hour from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m.
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“If you are walking, running or riding, please stay alert,” stated Chief Packard. “Do not allow technology to distract you, and make eye contact with the drivers around you before you step out into the crosswalk. Look, listen and watch out for each other!”
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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 protection of the Governor and other dignitaries, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more. For additional information, visit us online at Colorado State Patrol or follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.