Forty and not so fabulous

NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO STATE PATROL
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Fatal and injury crashes caused by lane violations have steadily risen in Colorado year over year since 2019 (450) with Colorado State Troopers investigating 635 in 2022. While most age demographics saw an increase in this category of crashes, three groups saw a significant spike upward, with one group coming in at an alarming 32% increase.

The top five percentage increases in 2022 were:

1. Age 40-49, a 32% increase over 2021
2. Age 60-69, a 19% increase over 2021
3. Age 18-21, a 12% increase over 2021
4. Age 50-59, a 10% increase over 2021
5. Age 70-78, a 2.5% increase over 2021

“We may never fully know all the life circumstances feeding into the increase of lane violations by these drivers, especially with our more experienced motorists,” remarked Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Life can be busy and messy but allowing anything to pull your focus off the road or driving while intoxicated is unacceptable. It’s time to get honest with ourselves and take responsibility.”

Lane violations can be an indicator for driving above the posted speed limit, driving distracted and/or driving while intoxicated.

In addition to looking at age demographics, the Colorado State Patrol’s 2022 lane violation crash data revealed the top five counties for injuries and fatalities. In descending order, those were:

1. Larimer County – 66
2. Jefferson – 61
3. Adams – 48
4. El Paso – 41
5. Weld – 29

Troopers continue to take a low-tolerance approach to the top fatal crash factors, including lane violations while launching a yearlong campaign called “Drive Safe.” This campaign reminds people to control their lane position based on their current driving environment.

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