(COLO) – In 2021 the alarm bells sounded when Colorado hit a 20-year high in traffic fatalities with 672 deaths. Yet the crash fatality picture has not improved for the State in 2022. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation this past weekend Colorado hit 700 deaths and troopers know this number will continue to grow until motorists change their risky behaviors.
“Driving is an essential part of most people’s lives and just like many routine behaviors, people begin to ease off the rules and safety guidelines over time. Yet the
consequences for reduced focus and declining lawful choices behind the wheel can result in a deadly outcome,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Every driver is accountable for how we choose to drive, are you doing your part?”
Looking at the top fatal and injury crash factors investigated by the Colorado State Patrol from January through November 2022, the top five include:
1. Lane Violation Crashes
2. Impaired Driving Crashes
3. Driving Distracted Crashes
4. Exceeding Safe/Legal Speed Crashes
5. Failing to Yield the Right of Way Crashes
The weekend (Friday – Sunday) continues to be the most dangerous days on the road with crashes peaking between the hours of 2 – 5 p.m.
“You don’t have to wait until you or someone you love is directly impacted by a violent crash to care about safety on our roadways,” stated Col. Packard. “Be a part of the change. Let’s make sure we do our part to have patience and drive sober on the roads so that we end this year with one less tragedy.”
Troopers continue to take a low-tolerance approach to lane violations while launching a yearlong campaign called “Stay in Your Lane.” This campaign is designed to remind people to control their lane position based on their current driving environment. This campaign also aims to bring attention to three of the most common and avoidable behaviors that contribute to lane violations – driving aggressively, driving distracted or driving while impaired.
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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.