Colorado traffic deaths drop as enforcement of new hands-free phone law ramps up
Denver has seen the same number of fatal crashes compared to this time last year -- 15 -- while Mesa and Douglas counties reported small increases.
admin
The number of people killed in crashes on Colorado roads is down 21% so far this year, with state officials pointing to new laws, more enforcement and safer drivers as keeping people alive.
Colorado recorded 130 traffic deaths as of mid-April, down from 164 deaths at the same point in 2024, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Fatal crashes in El Paso and Larimer counties were cut in half, and Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Boulder, Weld and Pueblo counties also reported fewer deaths.
Denver has seen the same number of fatal crashes compared to this time last year — 15 — while Mesa and Douglas counties reported small increases.
“This progress is hopeful and underscores the efforts made by legislation and enforcement to improve roadway safety. It also signals that more individual drivers are using safe behaviors,” Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said in a statement.
Colorado recorded 745 traffic deaths in 2022, the highest in 40 years, and state officials launched new safety programs to improve roads, reduce reckless behavior while driving, increase pedestrian safety and fine-tune emergency responses after crashes.
State lawmakers passed a bill banning hand-held phone use while driving last year that went into effect Jan. 1, leading to state troopers writing double the number of distracted-driving tickets in the first three months of the year than in all of 2024. The law allows for hands-free devices and makes an exception for hand-held phone use in an emergency.
Legislators also updated the state’s child passenger safety law to require booster seats until children are 9 years old, rear-facing car seats until children are 2 years old or weigh 40 pounds, and seat belts for everyone younger than 18.
Traffic deaths tend to increase over the summer and can be prevented by wearing a seatbelt, putting phones away, driving sober, following speed limits and staying alert as a pedestrian, CDOT officials said.
Sign up to get crime news sent straight to your inbox each day.
Get more Colorado news by signing up for our Mile High Roundup email newsletter.
