Colorado to Implement Traffic Cameras in New Safety Plan

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and state agencies have announced their traffic safety initiatives for 2025 following a year of mixed results in road safety. While overall traffic fatalities declined by 5% in 2024 compared to the previous year, alarming increases in motorcycle and construction zone deaths have prompted new measures including traffic cameras to curb dangerous driving behaviors.

2024 Traffic Fatalities: A Mixed Bag

CDOT’s preliminary data shows progress in some areas, but setbacks in others:

• Total traffic deaths: 684 (5% decrease)
• Passenger vehicle deaths: 371 (10% decrease)
• Impaired driving deaths: 210 (7% decrease)
• Unbuckled seat belt deaths: 183 (15% decrease)
• Pedestrian deaths: 120 (12% decrease)
• Bicycle deaths: 14 (30% decrease)

However, two alarming trends stood out:

• Motorcycle deaths soared to 162, a 23% increase, making up 24% of all traffic fatalities.
• Construction zone deaths nearly doubled, rising 94% to 31 deaths in 2024.

September was the deadliest month of the year, with 84 fatalities reported.

Speed Safety Traffic Cameras Coming to Construction Zones

To tackle the sharp rise in construction zone crashes, CDOT is launching a Speed Safety Camera Program in 2025. These automated enforcement systems aim to prevent crashes caused by excessive speed, protecting road workers, law enforcement officers, and drivers.

Studies suggest that Speed Safety Cameras can reduce fatalities and injuries by 20-37%, making them a crucial tool in CDOT’s plan to improve safety.

Counties and Cities with the Highest Traffic Fatalities

Despite an overall decline in traffic deaths, certain counties and cities saw an increase:

Highest Fatality Counties in 2024

• Adams County: 84 deaths (38% increase)
• El Paso County: 78 deaths (unchanged)
• Weld County: 67 deaths (20% increase)

Cities with the Most Fatalities

• Denver: 61 deaths (21% decrease)
• Colorado Springs: 47 deaths (2% decrease)
• Aurora: 45 deaths (29% decrease)
• Thornton: 18 deaths (157% increase)

The drastic increase in Thornton’s fatalities is a particular concern, as deaths in the city more than doubled in just one year.

New 2025 Traffic Laws Target Distracted and Reckless Driving

Several new laws will take effect in 2025 to address distracted driving, child passenger safety, and express lane violations:

1. Colorado Hands-Free Law: Prohibits the use of hand-held phones while driving, with fines starting at $75.
2. Updated Child Restraint System Law:
   • Booster seats required until age 9
   • Rear-facing car seats required for children under 2 years old and under 40 lbs
   • Mandatory seat belt use until age 18
3. Express Lane Enforcement Expansion: Drivers weaving in and out of Express Lanes outside designated areas will face $75 fines or higher.

CDOT’s 2025 Vision: Reducing Fatalities by 22.5%

CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) have set a goal to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 22.5% by 2027. Their strategy includes:

• Improving motorcycle safety by encouraging helmet use.
• Enhanced enforcement of impaired driving laws.
• Reevaluating speed limits to improve safety.

Additionally, the Shift into Safe awareness campaign will continue in 2025, focusing on seat belt safety, distracted driving, and child passenger protection.

A Call to Action: Safe Driving Saves Lives

Colorado officials emphasize that reducing road fatalities requires a collective effort.

“While it’s promising to see a reduction in fatalities on our roadways these last two years, we continue to see careless and reckless driving behaviors,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “It takes all of us to make Colorado a safe place for motorists and pedestrians to travel.”

With stronger laws, increased enforcement, and new safety technology like Speed Safety Cameras, Colorado is taking significant steps to make 2025 a safer year on the roads.