Editors Note: This article references data collected in a 2026 study performed by Bicycle Colorado.
Driving safely should be simple: slow down, pay attention, and follow the rules. But a new study by Bicycle Colorado shows that many drivers across the state are not doing that — and the results can be deadly.
This study looked at how drivers really behave at Colorado intersections. What researchers found helps explain why serious crashes, injuries, and deaths continue to happen on our roads.
The study was based on 30-minute observation windows across 196 intersections in 25 Colorado locations. It exposes nearly 7,900 violations from a total of nearly 50,000 vehicles. When the data is extrapolated out, it projects a whopping 200,000 daily violations at just these intersections.
What This Driver Behavior Study Is About
Bicycle Colorado partnered with a traffic safety technology company to study driver behavior across the state. Instead of relying only on police reports or crash data, the study used AI-powered cameras to watch real traffic in real time.
Researchers observed:
- Nearly 50,000 vehicles
- At 196 intersections
- In 25 Colorado communities, including cities, suburbs, and rural areas
Each intersection was monitored for short 30-minute periods, but even in that limited time, researchers saw thousands of unsafe driving behaviors.
For a free legal consultation, call (303) 465-8733
Dangerous Driving Behaviors Were Common
The study found that unsafe driving is not rare — it happens every day.
Some of the most common problems included:
- Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a full stop
- Distracted driving, including cellphone use
- Running red lights
- Speeding through intersections
- Not wearing seatbelts
Nearly half of drivers did not fully stop at stop signs. When researchers projected the numbers across similar intersections statewide, they estimated thousands of traffic violations every single day.
Why These Behaviors Are So Dangerous
Breaking traffic laws increases the chance of a crash — and the injuries can be severe.
This is especially true for:
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Children
- Older adults
Unlike drivers, people walking or biking do not have seatbelts, airbags, or steel frames to protect them. A small mistake by a driver can lead to life-changing injuries or worse.
Colorado has seen a rise in serious injury crashes and traffic deaths in recent years. Studies like this help show why that is happening — and where change is needed.
High-Risk Intersections Put People in Danger
The study also showed that some intersections had much higher rates of violations than others. These locations often have:
- Heavy traffic
- Pedestrians crossing
- Bike lanes or shared roads
- Schools or neighborhoods nearby
When drivers speed, roll through stop signs, or look at their phones in these areas, the risk to others goes up fast.
What This Means After a Crash
Traffic laws exist to keep people safe. When a driver ignores those laws and causes a crash, they may be legally responsible for the harm they cause.
Unsafe behaviors like:
- Failing to stop
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
can help show fault in a personal injury case.
This study supports what many injury victims already know: crashes are often caused by careless choices, not “accidents.”
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
How Colorado Can Make Roads Safer
Bicycle Colorado says that safer roads require more than asking drivers to be careful. The study recommends a combination of solutions, including:
Better Road Design
Roads can be built to naturally slow drivers and make intersections safer for everyone.
Education
Ongoing education helps remind drivers how their choices affect others.
Consistent Enforcement
Traffic laws only work when they are enforced. Tools like traffic cameras can help reduce dangerous driving where police cannot always be present.
This driver behavior study sends a clear message: dangerous driving is common, and it has real consequences.
When drivers fail to follow the rules, people get hurt. Holding negligent drivers accountable helps injured victims recover and encourages safer behavior on our roads.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a careless driver, understanding your rights is an important first step.