CDOT data shows positive trends in traffic safety in 2024

News Release

July 25, 2024 - Preliminary data shows far fewer deaths involving pedestrians and impairment

Estadísticas de CDOT indican tendencias positivas en la seguridad vial en 2024 en español

Statewide — Halfway through 2024, the Colorado Department of Transportation is sharing preliminary data on the status of traffic fatalities on Colorado’s roadways. The results show encouraging improvements and a decrease in risky driving behaviors among Coloradans compared to last year.

In the first six months of 2024, there were 294 fatalities on Colorado roads, down 9% from this time last year. The top crash factors in these crashes were impairment, speed and distracted driving. Overall, traffic deaths are down in many areas, especially among pedestrians and crashes involving an impaired driver.

Key year-to-date statistics from January 1 to June 30, 2024:

47 pedestrian fatalities (down 24% from 2023)
91 impaired driving fatalities (down 16% from 2023)
90 unbuckled fatalities (down 6% from 2023)
52 motorcyclist fatalities (down 5% from 2023)
36 child and teen (19 years old and younger) fatalities (down 23% from 2023)
3 bicyclist fatalities (compared to 8 at this time in 2023)

Data graph of Colorado Unbuckled, Impaired, Motorcycle, Pedestrian, and Child & Teen Traffic Fatalities in 2023 vs. 2024 year to date. Number of fatalities: Unbuckled: 96 (2023), 90 (2024); Impaired: 108 (2023), 91 (2024); Motorcycle: 55 (2023), 52 (2024); Pedestrian: 62 (2023), 47 (2024); Child & Teen: 47 (2023), 36 (2024). Data reported as of July 24, 2024. Source: Colorado Crash Data Dashboard. To access the graph, email [email protected].

“While these improvements are encouraging, even one death is too many, and we still have a lot of work to reach our ultimate goal of zero fatalities on Colorado roads,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “The data from the first half of 2024 shows our collective efforts are making a difference, but every driver and road user must continue to prioritize safety and make responsible choices behind the wheel every time.”

Building on the positive trends observed in the first half of 2024 is a collaborative effort. CDOT will continue working with safety partners, law enforcement and the public to maintain these improvements. Ongoing infrastructure projects such as roundabouts, pedestrian improvements and the use of advanced traffic management technology also aim to increase roadway safety. Drivers are encouraged to remain vigilant, follow traffic laws and prioritize accountability to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely.

“Unfortunately Colorado has experienced record-breaking traffic deaths on our roads in the last few years,” said Lingk. “Responsible choices are essential to continue positive trends and make our roads safer for all. Many drivers understand that their behavior behind the wheel affects everyone’s safety, but it’s important to remember that no one is invincible — risky actions can cost lives in an instant.”

For more information about CDOT’s safety programs, data and resources, visit codot.gov/safety.

Note to reporters

Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.