(COLO) – Colorado State Troopers responded to 11,745 crashes last winter season (Nov 2024 – March 2025), with the impacts ranging from property damage to death. Whether encountering wet, snowy, or icy conditions, the best way to minimize risk is to reduce your speed.
“The top causal factor of injury and fatal winter crashes is speeding,” explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Tires have less traction on surfaces with snow, ice and slush. To get a better grip on the road, drivers need to reduce their speed.”
Posted speed limits are designed for clear, dry roads. Drivers who fail to slow down in snow or ice are significantly more likely to lose control and collide with other vehicles. In addition, winter roads require longer stopping distances. Drivers who tailgate, especially in icy conditions, put others at risk for rear-end collisions.
“People with 4WD may drive faster in the snow, believing that they aren’t posing any risk,” explained Col. Packard. “This overconfidence is misplaced, because while 4WD is a mechanical advantage for accelerating, it does not improve the vehicle’s ability to stop or turn in poor conditions.”
Sudden lane changes, hard braking and other aggressive driving behaviors can be disastrous with poor road conditions. Winter weather does pose challenges for all roadway users, but crashes often occur because individuals fail to act responsibly
The Colorado State Patrol wants residents and visitors to be ‘Winter Ready’ during our cold, snow, and ice season. This campaign aims to educate drivers on the most common behaviors that lead to serious injury and death during the winter months on Colorado roadways.
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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.