(Colorado)—Earlier this summer, in June 2025, Colorado State Patrol launched an education and enforcement campaign, “Give Me a ‘Brake’” to help reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions. As the campaign comes to a close at the end of July, troopers want drivers to be aware that there is no “off-season” for wildlife in Colorado.
Last year, animal-involved crashes were the third most common crash factor among all crash types (fatal, injury, and property damage). Troopers investigated 3,573 of these crashes. Ninety-six percent of the crashes caused property damage only to the motorist, but the wildlife often did not survive.
Now, looking at 2025 Colorado State Patrol crash data, troopers have already responded to 1,600 animal-involved crashes from January 1 to July 17, 2025. While the majority (1,525) were property damage, 63 caused injuries and two were fatalities.
“Drivers in the mountain communities know to expect wildlife, but these animals can show up in more unexpected locations everywhere in our state,” explains Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Two of the most tragic crashes this year happened on C-470.”
- On July 11, at approximately 11:25 p.m., a motorist traveling westbound on C-470 between University Boulevard and Quebec collided with a moose. Three other vehicles also hit this large animal, with one vehicle losing control and causing fatal injuries to the driver.
- On July 20, at approximately 5:53 a.m., a motorist traveling eastbound on C-470 near Kipling Parkway swerved to avoid a deer, went off the road and rolled. The driver sustained fatal injuries.
Driving presents unpredictable hazards, including wildlife crossing our roads. In another area of Jefferson County, Colorado State Troopers joined forces with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to conduct weekly enforcement on Highway 74 this June. Their efforts aimed to reduce speeds and increase awareness of how to spot wildlife and what to do in the event of an encounter.
On four Saturdays in June, 31 motorists were stopped on Highway 74, resulting in 20 speeding citations being issued. The purpose of the enforcement operations was to warn drivers to slow their speeds and stay alert during this high-activity season for elk calves traveling with their mothers.
While dusk and dawn are the most common times for wildlife-vehicle collisions, they can and do happen at all hours of the day. Colorado State Troopers want to encourage drivers to keep speeds down and increase knowledge on how to spot wildlife and what to do.
Troopers wanted to share these practical tips from Wild Aware and their Wild Eyes Program:
- Scan roads (or shoulders) for movement, look for eye shine.
- Use bright lights at night when safe and flash lights at oncoming cars to warn of wildlife on the road.
- Do not honk at wildlife in/near the road.
- Brake if possible. Then use your hazard lights until the animal moves out of the way.
- If you cannot stop safely, do not swerve – drive straight through. Try to hit the animal from the side, rather than from the front.
- Don’t exceed the speed limit. Speed increases damage and injury in the event of a crash.
- More than anything, maintain control of your vehicle.
Wildlife-vehicle collisions can be very costly to drivers. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, the insurance industry pays nearly $1.1 billion yearly in claims for all wildlife collisions nationwide. The average property damage cost of these crashes is estimated at over $3,000.
If you are involved in a crash with an animal, Colorado State Patrol wants you to call 9-1-1 just as you would in any other emergency. In addition, if you witness wildlife in distress from possibly being struck on or near the side of the road, call *CSP for the proper resource to be notified and sent to the scene.
Troopers will conduct enforcement operations each Saturday in June to slow speeds and build awareness about wildlife in the area. The Colorado State Patrol reminds motorists to watch for wildlife at all times of day, but especially during dawn and dusk.
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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.