Halfway through 2024, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) 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 percent 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 Jan. 1 to June 30:
• 47 pedestrian fatalities (down 24 percent from 2023).
• 91 impaired driving fatalities (down 16 percent from 2023).
• 90 unbuckled fatalities (down 6 percent from 2023).
• 52 motorcyclist fatalities (down 5 percent from 2023).
• 36 child and teen (19 years old and younger) fatalities (down 23 percent from 2023).
• Three bicyclist fatalities (compared to eight at this time in 2023).
“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.
For more information about CDOT’s safety programs, data and resources, visit codot.gov/safety.
