The Colorado Department of Transportation released preliminary data for 2024 showing the total number of traffic deaths statewide. Tragically, 684 people lost their lives on our roads. Of that total number, 210 of those traffic deaths are attributed to impaired driving, meaning someone was likely drunk or high behind the wheel. Colorado’s major highways accounted for nearly 60% of all traffic deaths in 2024.
Overall, the numbers of deaths on Colorado roadways has continued to increase throughout the past decade, from a low of 547 deaths in 2015. You can access the data here.
Diving deeper into the numbers, you can see that at least 32 people lost their lives driving during winter holidays over the past two years.
Driving through the mountains can be challenging enough, but the winter driving months can be especially dangerous due to icy and snow-packed conditions. Many Coloradans or visitors to our beautiful state have sat in traffic on I-70 because of wrecks caused by failing to use required safety and traction devices on cars, trucks, and commercial motor vehicles. This is one reason why the Colorado legislature passed Senate Bill 24-100 “Commercial Vehicle Safety Measures on Colorado Highways.” The law requires all commercial motor vehicle drivers to carry traction chains from September 1 to May 31 on designated portions of public highways. This law applies to vehicles with a gross combined weight rating of more than 16,000 pounds used in commerce or as transport for at least 16 passengers. Commercial motor vehicle drivers who fail to carry chains can be fined $100+ for not carrying chains, $500+ for not putting chains on, and $1000+ for blocking the highway due to not putting chains on.
Commercial motor vehicles are not the only type of vehicles subject to traction laws in Colorado. In fact, all motorists, including passenger vehicles, are required to either have 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and 3/16” tread depth, or other approved tires, when Colorado’s “Traction Law” is in effect during peak winter driving season. Alternatively, passenger vehicles can have chains installed or an approved traction device.
Colorado’s “Traction Law” applies in I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 through May 31. Failing to follow the law can carry steep consequences, from a $100 fine to a $500 or more if the violation causes a lane closure.
It’s important for everyone to know all the rules of the road because negligent and reckless drivers are taking far too many innocent lives on Colorado’s roads. Each of these victims leaves behind people who love them, and often people who deeply depend on them.
At Dan Caplis Law we are Colorado’s record-setting law firm in achieving full and just compensation for people who have been seriously injury or killed due to someone else’s negligent or reckless driving. Whether it is an 18-wheeler truck crash, a distracted or even a drunk driver, we have proven our ability to force insurers carriers to pay all that they should.
If you’ve been seriously injured or if someone you love has been tragically killed in a crash, we are ready to serve you in a way that is likely to make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Both financially, and through our dedication to personal attention. Contact us today for a free consultation.