DENVER, Colorado – Colorado is facing a worrying increase in pedestrian fatalities as summer approaches and more people are choosing to walk rather than drive. With the increase in foot traffic, it becomes even more crucial that both drivers and pedestrians maintain the necessary vigilance to avoid injury.
This call to public awareness comes at a time when Colorado is experiencing the highest level of pedestrian fatalities ever recorded. In 2022, a total of 111 pedestrians lost their lives on the state’s highways, representing 15% of all traffic-related deaths.
Unfortunately, this year also shows a worrying increase in the number of deaths. As of the current date of 2023, there have been 51 pedestrian fatalities in Colorado, an increase of 14% compared to the same period last year.
Denver, El Paso, Arapahoe, and Jefferson counties have experienced the highest number of pedestrian fatalities so far in 2023, with 9, 7, 7, and 7 cases respectively. It is important to note that most of these tragedies occur at night.
El Paso and Jefferson counties have seen an especially alarming increase this year, each recording seven pedestrian fatalities to date, compared to just one in the same period last year.
Colonel Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, emphasizes the need to be alert and prepared for possible eventualities on the roads. “A vehicle is not the same as a person on foot, on a bicycle, skateboard or scooter. Drivers must remain alert and be aware of possible unforeseen events,” he says. “Pedestrians must also be vigilant, look ahead and respect road safety regulations. When we all share the same roads, we all share the same responsibility.”
Highway safety must be a priority for all road users, as only through increased awareness and mutual respect can we reduce the tragic number of pedestrian fatalities in Colorado.
