CDOT and CSP remind drivers to put safety first following deadly crashes over the weekend

Statewide — After a series of deadly crashes over the holiday weekend CDOT and Colorado State Patrol are reminding drivers to always put safety first when behind the wheel. The weekend crashes included a motorist that was struck and killed while changing their tire on I-25, a fiery crash on I-70 involving a semi-truck, a pedestrian that was struck on US 50 in Delta County and a bicyclist that was killed on US Highway 40 near the town of Parshall. Notices of other fatal crashes are expected to be received by CDOT in the coming days. This preliminary data paints a grim picture of the alarming behavior on Colorado roads.

"This holiday weekend, Colorado roads became the scene of preventable tragedies,” said Sally Chaffee, CDOT’s acting executive director. “We witnessed multiple fatalities statewide, including two cowardly hit-and-run crashes at opposite ends of the state. We are imploring every passenger to have the courage to speak up when you see dangerous driving. Your intervention can be the difference between life and death—for yourself, for the driver, and for everyone else on the road."

CDOT is reminding the traveling public to obey the move-over law, never drive impaired, avoid distractions, and buckle up. The top factors in fatal crashes in Colorado include speed, impairment and not using seat belts. A new law this year forbids holding a phone while driving. Also, Colorado’s Move Over law has recently been updated to require motorists to slow down or move over for any vehicle on the side of the road with its hazard lights flashing.

“Holiday weekends bring congested roadways, unfamiliar travel patterns and recreational activities that include impairing substances. These changes individually or combined can lead to violent and tragic events,” stated Col. Matthew C Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “No one thing caused these fatal crashes, but there is one clear solution. Take the privilege of driving seriously by never engaging in behavior that could end a life.”

To date there have been 278 traffic deaths in Colorado in 2025. Last year at this time 307 people had been killed on Colorado roads.

Crash Not Accident

Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.