Colorado pedestrian fatalities have increased 77% since 2018

Las muertes de peatones en Colorado han aumentado un 77 % desde 2018 en español

Statewide - Last year was another record-breaking year in Colorado for pedestrian fatalities. In all, 136 people were killed by drivers while walking or crossing the street. October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and CDOT is urging both drivers and pedestrians to be alert and use extra caution, especially as we head into periods with less daylight and pedestrian fatalities tend to increase.

To highlight the human impact of these crashes, CDOT interviewed pedestrian crash survivors and family members of those killed in Denver, Pueblo and Loveland. Dana Waldbaum was on her way to the gym one morning when an impaired driver hit her while going over 70 mph in Denver. Fred Gallegos was preparing for the adoption of his two youngest children when he was informed his mother had been struck and killed while crossing the street in Pueblo. Ana Lucaci was walking in Denver when a pickup hit her in a crosswalk. Melissa Myers was awaiting the arrival of her son, Gavin, from his afternoon fishing expedition when he was struck and killed by a driver less than a quarter-mile from their home in Loveland. To access these videos, email [email protected]

Pedestrian fatalities in Colorado have increased by 161% in the last decade and 77% since 2018. Despite a decline in pedestrian fatalities in the first nine months of 2024 — 72 deaths compared to 96 during the same period in 2023 — the numbers remain alarmingly high.

“The persistent rise in fatalities calls for immediate and sustained action from all drivers and pedestrians in Colorado,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “It's up to all of us to make choices that protect our most vulnerable road users and create an environment where no one has to fear for their life simply because they need to cross the street.”

This increase in pedestrian fatalities is not unique to Colorado — pedestrian deaths have nearly doubled nationwide over the past two decades. In Colorado, pedestrians now account for 19% of all traffic fatalities, up from 10% in 2002. This alarming increase far outpaces the rise in fatalities involving vehicle occupants.

Fall and winter are historically the deadliest times of year for pedestrians as the days grow shorter and darker. In 2023, 58% of pedestrian fatalities occurred during fall and winter, with December being the deadliest month. Lighting conditions are a major factor. Last year, 78% of all pedestrian fatalities occurred at night or in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn. Older adults between the ages of 65-74 were the most at risk when it came to pedestrian fatalities in Colorado, according to CDOT data.

One of the ways CDOT improves safety for pedestrians is by enhancing infrastructure specifically designed for them. CDOT prioritizes solutions informed by stakeholder values, use of safety data and location-specific information to create safer crossings and facilities, especially at high-risk areas and challenging intersections. Additionally, the Revitalizing Main Streets program supports local economic vitality by funding infrastructure improvements that make walking easier and safer, fostering stronger community connections across Colorado.

As we observe National Pedestrian Safety Month, CDOT is sharing the following tips:

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections
• Stay off your phone when crossing the street
• Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Look out for pedestrians and bicyclists everywhere, at all times, and especially in areas near schools, parks, shopping areas and transit stops
• Put the phone down and avoid distractions that take your attention off the road
• Follow the speed limit. Speeding motorists endanger everyone on the road but put pedestrians at the greatest risk for death or serious injury
• Stop before a crosswalk, not in it
• Never drive impaired
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk
• At night, reduce your speed and make sure your headlights are on

Crash Not Accident

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

About the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

Walking and bicycling can be a fun and healthy way to enjoy our beautiful state, and CDOT encourages residents to make bicycling and walking a part of their regular routine. For more information on safety practices for pedestrians and drivers or how to get involved with programs like Safe Routes to School or Colorado’s annual Bike to Work Day, visit www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped