Updated 5:15 p.m. -- At least 63o people died on Colorado’s roads last year, almost 30 more deaths than in 2016, according to new data from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The biggest jump in fatalities last year involved people driving while impaired, and those not using their seatbelts, said CDOT spokesman Sam Cole. Those and other risky behaviors are pushing up the highway death toll after a long stretch from 2004 to 2014 where the state had fewer fatal accidents.
“Since then it’s been spiking,” Coles said. “It’s a huge concern.”
Careless and distracted drivers are a big part of the problem, he added. “It boils down to risky behaviors on our roadways every day."
Colorado ranks 36th in the country in seat belt use, according to a CDOT press release. Efforts to strengthen Colorado’s seatbelt law and require hands-free cell phone use have both failed in the state Legislature in recent years.
Some transportation advocates disagree with CDOT’s characterization, including news and commentary website StreetsBlog Denver.
What’s needed from CDOT in Denver are narrower streets, thinner lanes, more & better crosswalks, curb extensions, and turn bans on the urban roads they control, like Federal Blvd, so drivers can’t speed and pedestrians have shorter crossings.
— Streetsblog Denver (@StreetsblogDen) January 31, 2018
These things can be done relatively simply and inexpensively, but CDOT has to lead the way. Instead the department wants to widen roads and highways throughout the city and state, and the press conference will continue next year.
— Streetsblog Denver (@StreetsblogDen) January 31, 2018
Editor's note: CDOT sent a correction to its own numbers after this story was first published: "In 2017 there were 630 traffic fatalities in Colorado." We've updated the story with the correct information.
You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. We can help you keep up. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. Sign up here and we will see you in the morning!
It takes a good day’s drive to cover Colorado, but we’ll help you do it in a few minutes. Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you.
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now.