In Colorado, vehicle crash statistics for 2023 show that traffic fatalities declined slightly compared to the previous year, with 716 roadway deaths reported statewide, marking the first decrease since 2019. Passenger vehicle deaths totalled 408 fatalities, while motorcycle crashes accounted for 134 deaths and pedestrian fatalities increased significantly to 133 deaths, highlighting growing risks for vulnerable road users. Impaired driving remained a major contributor, involved in 227 fatalities, while failure to wear seatbelts contributed to 216 deaths. Speeding continued to be one of the leading causes of deadly crashes, accounting for approximately 16% of all fatal crashes and contributing to hundreds of fatalities over recent years. Colorado also experienced thousands of serious injuries statewide, with risky driving behaviours such as distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving remaining major safety concerns. Urban counties such as Denver, El Paso, and Arapahoe recorded the highest number of fatalities, while rural highways and interstate corridors like I-25, I-70, and I-80 continued to experience severe and high-speed crashes due to weather, mountainous terrain, and heavy traffic volumes.
In Colorado in 2023, 196 fatalities involved car occupants, accounting for 27% of all traffic deaths.
135 fatalities were motorcyclists, representing 19% of the total.
208 fatalities involved light trucks and SUVs, making up 29% of all traffic deaths.
20 fatalities were in the other category that includes buses and similar vehicles, accounting for 3% of traffic deaths.
17 fatalities involved large truck occupants, contributing 2% of the total.
125 pedestrians died in traffic crashes, comprising 17% of all traffic fatalities in Colorado in 2023.
Colorado's most dangerous highway, especially through the Rocky Mountains. Steep grades, icy roads, heavy ski traffic, truck accidents and sudden weather changes contribute to frequent serious and fatal crashes.
Running through Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo, I-25 experiences heavy congestion, aggressive driving, speeding and frequent multi-vehicle collisions.
Known for dangerous mountain curves, narrow lanes, winter weather and high-speed rural driving. Fatal head-on crashes are common on this route.
A major freight corridor with heavy truck traffic, high speeds and long rural stretches that increase the risk of severe crashes and rollover accidents.
Particularly hazardous through Clear Creek Canyon and mountain areas due to steep terrain, sharp curves, rockslides and limited visibility.
Single-vehicle fatal car accidents occur in rural and mountain regions near Pueblo and along highways such as I-70 and U.S. 285.
of fatal car accidents in Colorado happen in rural areas.
Multiple-vehicle fatal car accidents happen most frequently around Denver, Aurora and Colorado Springs.
of fatal car accidents in Colorado happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
The Catapult Law: In Colorado, it is illegal to catapult any object at a motor vehicle on a public road or highway. While most people would consider launching projectiles at moving vehicles to be the most obviously inadvisable activity ever conceived, the fact that Colorado felt it necessary to create a law to specifically address the issue suggests that someone in the state may have actually attempted to catapult a vehicle on a public road.
It’s Illegal to Buy or Sell a Car on Sunday: The state of Colorado has “Sunday Laws” or “Blue Laws” as they are often referred to. Under state statute, it is illegal for a car dealer to buy or sell a car on Sundays.
The Horses Have the Right of Way Law: In Colorado, horses and other livestock have the legal right of way on public roadways and rural highways over motor vehicles. The law is firmly on the side of livestock, requiring drivers to yield to animals in the road.
The Marijuana and Driving Law: Colorado made history in 2012 by becoming one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana use. To combat inebriated drivers, the state also passed some very specific and strictly enforced laws prohibiting driving under the influence of marijuana on public roads. While Colorado residents are legally permitted to enjoy recreational marijuana in appropriate settings, the moment they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, the state's DUI laws apply with full force, making Colorado one of the few places in the world where the legal recreational use of a substance and the strict prohibition of driving under its influence exist simultaneously.
The Snow plow Right of Way Law: In Colorado, drivers are legally required to yield to snow plows on public roads and highways during winter weather. Given Colorado's notoriously harsh and unpredictable winter weather conditions, particularly in the state's famous mountain passes and ski resort corridors, this law is considered one of the most critically important traffic safety regulations in the state.
The No Driving an Unsafe Vehicle Law: In Colorado, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle that is in an unsafe mechanical condition on a public road or highway. Colorado law enforcement officers have the authority to pull over and inspect any vehicle they believe to be mechanically unsafe. If law enforcement determines that the driver is operating an unsafe vehicle, they may be forced to remove the vehicle from public roads until necessary repairs are made. Law enforcement may also issue fines and warnings compelling the owner to bring the vehicle to a condition where it can be safely operated on public roadways.
The Hitchhiking Law: In Colorado, hitchhiking on public roads and highways is technically illegal. Under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42, hitchhiking on public roads and state highways is illegal.
The No Riding a Horse While Drunk Law: In Colorado, it is illegal to ride a horse while under the influence of alcohol on a public road or in a public place. While most people would instinctively assume that drunk horse-riding falls under the same general category as drunk driving, that is not the case. In Colorado, lawmakers apparently felt that it was necessary to pass unique legislation governing drunk horseback riding on public roads. The state takes a very comprehensive approach to impaired transportation safety regulation across all modes of travel.
The Bike Lane Law: In Colorado, it is illegal for motor vehicles to drive in designated bicycle lanes on public roads except when making turns or entering and exiting driveways. Colorado has been working to expand its bicycle lane network in recent years, particularly in urban areas like Denver and Boulder and the strict enforcement of bicycle lane laws reflects the state's commitment to cyclist safety.
The No Throwing Objects from a Vehicle Law: In Colorado, it is illegal to throw any object from a moving vehicle on a public road or highway. This is another one of those common sense laws that helps curb littering and maintain a safe driving environment for all commuters. This law applies to everything from cigarette butts and fast-food wrappers to larger and more dangerous projectiles.
The Speed Limit in School Zones Law: In Colorado, drivers are legally required to reduce their speed to 20 mph in designated school zones when children are present. This is one of those strictly enforced state laws that carries hefty fines that are significantly higher than standard speeding fines, reflecting the state's serious commitment to protecting children.
The Mountain Driving Chain Law: Given Colorado's harsh weather climate, it is no surprise that when traveling on certain roads, drivers are legally required to carry and use tire chains or approved traction devices during winter weather conditions. This law is strictly enforced during periods of heavy snow and ice on Colorado's high-altitude road networks.
The No Parking on a Highway Law: In Colorado, it is illegal to park a motor vehicle on a public highway or interstate except in cases of mechanical emergency. A parked vehicle can create an extremely dangerous situation for both the vehicle's occupants and other drivers who may not see the parked vehicle until it is too late.
The Electric Vehicle Law: Colorado has specific laws and regulations governing the operation and charging of electric vehicles on public roads and at public charging stations throughout the state. These laws reflect the state's position at the forefront of the national transition to electric transportation and its determination to create a comprehensive legal framework that supports the safe and orderly integration of electric vehicles into Colorado's existing public road network.