(COLO) – Colorado State Troopers issued over 43,900 citations to motorists speeding in our communities in 2025. Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for the conditions is one of the most common 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 drivers who, when stopped for speeding, feel like they are being penalized for something that wasn’t causing anyone else a problem,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “But a victimless crime would mean the behavior was consensual by every other motorist on the road and could never harm others, yet the reality is that speeding is strongly associated with the worst, most violent crashes.”
Looking at injury and fatal crashes that Colorado State Troopers investigated last year, speeding was one of the top causal factors when a person sustained injury or died in the crash.
Speed limits are set based on road design and traffic volume to keep everyone safe. Exceeding these limits puts everyone at risk, including the driver and other road users. Speeding also raises the risk of crashes and their severity.
Speed Increases the Risk of:
- 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.
“Your choice to speed impacts others using that same road,” cautioned Col. Packard. “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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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.