(COLO) – While the meteorological season marks March 20 as the first day of spring this year, seasoned Colorado drivers know that winter isn’t done with us yet. Fluctuating temperatures and bright sunshine during warmer hours often cause snowmelt to freeze overnight, leading to icy roadways and sidewalks.
Looking at the Colorado State Patrol’s fatal crash data from last winter season (November 2024 – March 2025), troopers responded to the most fatal crashes in March. While speed consistently topped the list for the cause of most crashes during these same winter months, when troopers isolated just the fatal crashes data, impaired driving moved into the top causal factor position.
“Driving in low visibility, snow, and ice all require your heightened attention and full faculties,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Intoxication can impact your mental and physical capabilities. Even minor miscalculations can have catastrophic outcomes on roads impacted by weather.”
Driving impaired compromises your reaction times and judgment, making it harder to handle hazardous conditions, such as reduced traction or poor visibility. Whether it is snow, ice or slush, more time is needed to come to a controlled stop. Last-minute turns or braking can cause a driver to skid or lose control.
Safe winter driving requires slow speeds and gentle maneuvers. Whether texting, driving under the influence, or engaging in other distractions, these behaviors are even more dangerous in snowy weather.
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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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.