Speeding

There’s No Need for Speed

Blue and yellow graphic with Colorado Department of Transportation logo and illustration of motorcycle and car crashing. On graphic copy reads "Speeding: Thrills 'til It Kills."

Speeding is inherently dangerous. In fact, speeding remains a leading factor in Colorado traffic deaths. Driving at unsafe speeds not only compromises a driver's ability to maintain a safe lane position, but it also drastically reduces the time available to react to potential hazards. This not only endangers the speeding driver but also puts everyone around them at risk, including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Increased speed requires greater braking distance, which makes it more difficult to avoid a collision or sudden stops. High-speed collisions are typically more severe because of the increased force of impact, which also reduces the effectiveness of seat belts and airbags. Pedestrians are also at greater risk of injury or death as driver speed increases.

According to CDOT’s Driver Behavior Report, more than 69% of Colorado drivers said they drove over the speed limit on highways at least some of the time. Drivers aged 18 to 34 were more likely to say they drive over the speed limit than those aged 35 and older. Whether it’s a multi-state road trip on the interstate or a quick errand across town, all drivers should be aware of their speeds.

Speeding alone increases the risk of a crash, but this risk is even greater when combined with other dangerous driving behaviors. In 2021, 43% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities in Colorado also involved alcohol impairment, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. CDOT continues to support local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On DUI enforcement periods, during which drivers may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.

CDOT shares the following tips to stay safe from speeding drivers:

  • Maintain space: Give other drivers, speeding or not, plenty of space. Drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles when speeding.
  • Do not engage: Speeding is often linked to aggressive driving. If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage in risky behavior, use your judgment to safely steer your vehicle out of the way.
  • Report dangerous behavior: If you believe a driver is following or harassing you, or engaging in other risky behavior, dial *CSP (*277) or your local law enforcement to report.

 Know the Facts

  • Colorado lost 751 lives to speeding between 2021 and 2023, which is the capacity of 10 ½ school buses.
  • From 2020 to 2023, there were 418 speeding-related fatalities in Colorado between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which surpasses the capacity of an entire section of seating at Ball Arena.
  • In 2023, 257 people were killed on Colorado roads in speed-related crashes, which is the equivalent of more than two entire rows of seating at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
  • Drivers tend to overestimate the time saved by speeding. According to a study conducted by AAA Colorado, a motorist moving at 80 mph instead of 75 mph would have to travel 100 miles to save roughly five minutes. The average driver only saves 26 seconds per day by speeding.
  • Just a 1% increase in speed can heighten your fatality risk as much as 12%.
  • Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that the average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph, 75% at 50 mph and 90% at 58 mph.

Blue and yellow graphic with illustrations of pedestrians next to speed limit signs. On graphic copy reads "Risk to pedestrians increases as driver speed increases. 13% of pedestrians will die or suffer a severe injury if hit by a vehicle at 20 mph. 40% of pedestrians will die or suffer a severe injury if hit by a vehicle at 30 mph. 73% of pedestrians will die or suffer a severe injury if hit by a vehicle at 40 mph. Safer speeds safe lives." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration logo is in the bottom right corner.

  • The counties that had the most traffic deaths involving speeding in 2023 were El Paso, Adams, Arapahoe, Denver and Jefferson. Of these counties, El Paso County has remained in the top five for speeding citations since 2019.
  • In 2024, Colorado State Troopers investigated over 560 fatal and injury crashes that involved a speeding driver.
  • In 2024, Colorado State Troopers issued more than 47,000 speeding citations.
  • In 2023, the Colorado State Patrol issued the most speeding citations for drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 20+ mph on the following five roadways:
    • I-70
    • I-25
    • Highway 50
    • Highway 24
    • Highway 285

 Know the Laws

Under Colorado law, driving up to 24 mph over the posted speed limit is a Class A traffic infraction. Driving 25 mph or more over the posted limit is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. Violating the speed limit can result in fines, surcharges, points on your license, community service requirements and even jail time in some cases.

Fines for speeding typically range from $15 to $100 but can reach up to $1,000. Revenues generated by these surcharges are credited to the Crime Victim Compensation Fund and the Victims and Witness Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund.

CDOT’s goal is to establish speed limits that maximize safety and that are respected by motorists. Speed management is science based and data driven, balancing safety and travel time.

To address traffic safety in construction zones, CDOT has launched a Speed Safety Camera Program to reduce crashes involving excessive speed. As part of the Revised Statute, speed safety cameras will be installed to increase safety for law enforcement officers and CDOT maintenance crews, help reduce congestion that may result from traffic stops and more. Speed safety cameras are estimated to reduce fatalities and injuries by up to 37%.

Blue and yellow graphic with Colorado Department of Transportation logo, Shift into Safe logo and picture of Red Rocks Amphitheatre at sunset. On graphic copy reads "Colorado lost 257 lives due to speeding in 2023. That's more than two entire rows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre."

Promotional Resources

CDOT has pre-drafted social media posts, newsletter articles and downloadable graphics that are available for repurposing. Access the speeding social media and website toolkit.

Additional Resources