(COLO) – Colorado State Troopers issued over 47,000 citations for motorists speeding in our communities in 2024. Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for the conditions is one of the most prevalent traffic violations. Like many other problem behaviors, when large numbers of people contribute to the problem, some begin to believe it is acceptable and minimize its impact.
“There is a portion of roadway users that when caught speeding, feel like they are being penalized for something that wasn’t causing anyone else a problem. It ‘feels’ like a victimless crime,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “A victimless crime would mean the behavior was consensual and didn’t harm others, yet the reality is that speeding is strongly associated with the worst crashes in rural and urban areas.”
Looking at crashes that Colorado State Troopers investigated last year, speeding was the second highest causal factor when a person sustained injury or died in the crash.
Speed limits are set based on road design and the amount of traffic to keep everyone safe. Going over these limits puts everyone at risk, including the driver and others on the road. Speeding raises the risk of crashes and their severity.
How does speed increase risk:
- Increased Rollover Accidents: Higher speeds make vehicles, especially tall ones, more prone to rollovers.
- Reduced Control: Speeding reduces your ability to control the vehicle, particularly in unexpected situations.
- Extended Stopping Distances: The faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
- Compromised Safety Features: Safety features are less effective at higher speeds, leading to more serious injuries.
- Decreased Reaction Time: Speeding reduces the time you have to react to hazards, making it harder to avoid accidents.
- Greater Impact Force: Higher speeds result in more forceful impacts, causing more severe damage and injuries.
“Don’t take liberties with other people’s lives. Your choice to speed wasn’t consensual to others using that same road,” cautioned Col. Packard. “While driving can feel essential to sustain most lifestyles, it is still a privilege, not a right. People driving vehicles recklessly can and do kill people daily, so rethink your stance on speeding before we need to intervene and remind you.”
Troopers are taking a low-tolerance approach to the top fatal crash factors, including lane violations and speeding while launching a three-month campaign called “Stop Speeding.” This campaign wants every Colorado driver to break the myth that speeding is a “victimless crime” and encourages you 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.