NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO STATE PATROL
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Update
On Feb. 11, 2024 the Colorado State Patrol in conjunction with 26 local agencies conducted a statewide enforcement operation in an effort to improve the safety of the motoring public on Super Bowl Sunday, a day traditionally heavy with negative driving behaviors. 96 troopers across the state participated writing more than 150 seatbelt, distracted driving, and speed violations as well as 11 arrests for driving under the influence.
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Orginal release
On Feb. 11, 2024, troopers across Colorado, in partnership with local jurisdictions, will be conducting strict enforcement operations to help motorists make safe and responsible driving choices. Some of the negative driving indicators Troopers will be looking for are lane violations, tailgating, speeding, and aggressive and careless driving behaviors.
While preliminary numbers show a slight decrease (6 per cent) in fatal crashes in 2023 across Colorado, more work needs to be done to move Colorado to the forefront of being one of the safest states to travel. At this time, there have been 716 recorded roadway deaths in 2023 - every life lost impacting a family, friends and communities. The majority of these crashes were a result of choices made by drivers, including driving while impaired, speeding above the posted limit, behaving aggressively or driving while distracted.
Troopers will focus on those highways in every region of Colorado that see high crash rates and volume. Each troop will also staff up during the peak time of day in their region, which could be before, during or after the big game. Coloradoans who intend to watch and celebrate the game away from their home are advised to make a plan in advance on how they will ensure a sober ride home.
A few tips to avoid meeting one of our troopers under less-than-ideal conditions are:
- Pay close attention to speed limits. Speed limits are set for safety.
- Put the distractions aside.
- Place that cell phone out of reach and if it is that important, pull off at the next gas station or exit ramp. Please give it to your passengers and let them navigate those messages.
- Open those snacks before you start driving and eat those messy meals somewhere other than behind the wheel.
- Set your navigation and pick your music or other passenger entertainment before you begin your drive.
- If you see dangerous or aggressive driving actions by another motorist, give them space. You can also pull over and call *CSP with a vehicle description and license plate. Let one of our troopers handle that dangerous issue.
- NEVER drive impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of Colorado crash fatalities. In fact, one out of every three traffic deaths in Colorado involved an impaired driver in 2023. As we approach one of the busiest drinking days of the year, plan ahead. No excuse is acceptable for those who lost a loved one to an intoxicated driver.
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