The Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol issued a statement reminding Colorado drivers of road safety after a slew of crashes, some deadly, that took place over the Fourth of July weekend.
The crashes, which were reported across the state, include a motorist who was struck and killed while changing a tire on I-25, a fiery semitrailer crash on I-70, a pedestrian hit on Highway 50 in Delta County and a bicyclist killed on U.S. Highway 40 near Parshall.
The statement said these crashes paint a sobering picture of the state of driving statewide and the importance of driving safely and with awareness.
“This holiday weekend, Colorado roads became the scene of preventable tragedies,” Sally Chaffee, CDOT’s acting executive director, said. “We witnessed multiple fatalities statewide, including two cowardly hit-and-run crashes at opposite ends of the state. We are imploring every passenger to have the courage to speak up when you see dangerous driving. Your intervention can be the difference between life and death, for yourself, for the driver and for everyone else on the road.”
CDOT also highlighted the state’s recently updated move-over law, which requires drivers to slow down or move over for any vehicle with flashing hazard lights and noted that drivers must also avoid impairment, eliminate distractions while driving and always wear seat belts.
Another law, recently passed earlier this year, bans handheld phones being used in any capacity while driving. According to provided data, speed, alcohol or drug impairment and failure to wear a seat belt are the leading causes of fatal crashes.
“Holiday weekends bring congested roadways, unfamiliar travel patterns and recreational activities that include impairing substances. These changes individually or combined can lead to violent and tragic events,” Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said. “No one thing caused these fatal crashes, but there is one clear solution. Take the privilege of driving seriously by never engaging in behavior that could end a life.”
So far, there have been 278 traffic deaths in Colorado this year, which is down from 307 traffic-related deaths at this time last year.
