Speeding was a factor in 237 traffic fatalities in Colorado last year, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Over the past five years, 1,274 people have died on Colorado roads in crashes involving speeding. CDOT reports that speeding drivers pose particular risks to bicyclists and pedestrians, especially in urban areas and on neighborhood streets. Since 2016, deaths among pedestrians and bicyclists have increased by 34% in Colorado, while passenger vehicle occupant deaths have risen by less than 3%.
To address these concerns, CDOT has launched a new public outreach campaign with support from advocates, victims, and law enforcement agencies. The campaign is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding for vulnerable road users and encourage safer driving behaviors. Materials such as infographics, posters, and yard signs will be distributed statewide. One key message highlights research showing that as speed increases, so does the risk of serious injury or death for pedestrians: “The average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 25% at 32 MPH and triples to 75% at 50 MPH,” according to the campaign.
Speeding contributed to more traffic deaths last year than impaired driving (215) or unbuckled crashes (189), CDOT states. The department is increasing efforts to enforce speed limits across various types of roads.
Data shows Adams County had the most speeding-related traffic deaths in 2024 with 32 fatalities, followed by El Paso County with 25 and Denver with 23. El Paso County has consistently ranked among the top five counties for speeding citations since 2019 and recorded the second-highest number of total traffic deaths and injuries last year—78 fatalities and over 450 serious injuries.
“Speeding drivers put everyone on Colorado roads at risk, especially vulnerable road users like pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists,” said CDOT’s Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “A common misconception is that speeding mainly occurs on highways, but the truth is, it happens on all roads. So, whether you’re on a highway, city street or rural mountain road, slow down and always watch for pedestrians. You could save a life.”
Research cited by AAA Colorado found that traveling at higher speeds yields minimal time savings; driving at 80 MPH instead of 75 MPH over a distance of 100 miles saves only about five minutes. On average, drivers save just 26 seconds per day by speeding.
According to CDOT’s latest Driver Behavior Report for 2025, most Colorado drivers (71%) acknowledged exceeding speed limits on main highways at least occasionally. About half (48%) admitted to doing so on city streets.
“Speeding puts you in a lose-lose situation and is never worth the gamble. Not only does speeding put you at risk of a ticket, but it also increases the likelihood of a crash,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Running late for work, school, an appointment or your next obligation should never be an excuse to speed or drive recklessly. Remember that speeding inevitably puts you and everyone else at a much greater risk of death or serious injury.”
In total during 2024, Colorado State Patrol troopers investigated more than 560 fatal and injury crashes involving speeding drivers.
