According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado is seeing early signs of progress in traffic safety across several counties, with notable year-over-year reductions in roadway fatalities. While every loss of life is tragic, the data suggests that targeted enforcement, updated safety laws, and increased public awareness may be having a measurable impact in parts of the state.
The following data was collected as of April 2025 and compared to April 2024 numbers.
Counties Showing Significant Year-Over-Year Decreases
Several Colorado counties are reporting substantial declines in traffic fatalities compared to this time last year:
- El Paso County: 10 fatalities, down from 20
- Adams County: 14 fatalities, down from 23
- Weld County: 14 fatalities, down from 17
- Pueblo County: 9 fatalities, down from 13
- Arapahoe County: 8 fatalities, down from 13
- Jefferson County: 7 fatalities, down from 11
- Larimer County: 5 fatalities, down from 11
- Boulder County: 4 fatalities, down from 6
These reductions represent meaningful percentage decreases, particularly in counties like El Paso, Larimer, and Adams, where fatalities have dropped by roughly 40–50% year over year.
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Mixed Trends in Other Metro Counties
Not all counties are seeing declines.
- Denver County is currently tracking even with last year, reporting 15 fatalities to date.
- Mesa County has reported four fatalities, up from two at the same point last year.
- Douglas County has seen eight fatalities, an increase from one last year.
These mixed results highlight an important reality: progress is uneven, and safety gains in one area do not automatically translate statewide.
New Colorado Traffic Safety Laws in Effect
Several new or updated laws took effect this year with the goal of reducing preventable crashes and serious injuries.
Hands-Free Driving Law
Colorado now prohibits the use of handheld phones while driving, allowing only hands-free accessories.
- Minimum fine: $75 for a first offense
- Applies even when stopped at red lights
Updated Child Passenger Safety Requirements
Colorado strengthened its child safety laws to better align with injury data and medical guidance:
- Rear-facing car seats required until at least age 2 or 40 pounds
- Booster seats required until age 9
- Seat belts mandatory for all passengers until age 18
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Increased Express Lane Enforcement
Colorado Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies have increased enforcement in Express Lanes statewide.
- Weaving in and out of designated lane boundaries now carries fines starting at $75 or more
Why This Data Matters
Traffic fatality data is more than a statistic—it reflects real families, real injuries, and preventable losses. While the downward trends in several counties are encouraging, the increases elsewhere serve as a reminder that continued enforcement, education, and personal responsibility remain essential.
As summer travel increases and roads become more congested, the choices drivers make today will directly affect whether these positive trends continue.