Reckless driving is on the rise in Southwest Colorado.

This year, the Colorado State Patrol saw a 40% increase in fatal crashes in La Plata County. In Montezuma County, the crash fatality rate doubled. Impaired motorists and distracted driving were top causal crash fatality factors, according to CSP investigators.

CSP launched concentrated efforts in southwest Colorado to address the increase.

“We are lowering our tolerance on what may have once been given a warning, such as a lane violation, and we are ramping up our presence to remove impaired drivers from our roadways,” Capt. John Trentini said in a news release.

Colorado crash data for 2021 showed that 81% of fatal crashes involved male at-fault drivers and 54% were between 22 and 49 years old.

Nationally, concerns are rising over the fatal consequences of reckless driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, the pandemic worsened poor driving habits, like speeding and driving while distracted or impaired.

Trentini reminds drivers of their responsibility to focus and remain sober behind the wheel.

“No one should be grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season over something so preventable,” he said. “It’s time to take the responsibilities of driving seriously.”