The Colorado Department of Transportation yesterday released data showing an overall 6% decrease in traffic fatalities on Colorado roadways in 2023 compared to 2022, marking the first decline since 2019.
Passenger vehicle deaths were down 12%, motorcycle deaths decreased 10% and impaired driving deaths were down 21%.
Despite these gains, there was a significant increase in deaths among pedestrians and bicyclists last year. In 2023, 153 pedestrians and cyclists lost their lives, marking an 18% increase over the previous year.
In 2024, CDOT is launching a new awareness campaign Shift into Safe, which will both inform and motivate behavior change on Colorado roads. Also, this year CDOT’s Highway Safety Office will award over $13.5 million in federal funds to local partners engaged in education, awareness and prevention efforts. These funds also support local law enforcement agencies conducting DUI and seatbelt enforcement in their communities.
