
MoneyGeek analyzed the 1,706 deadly crashes that occurred in Colorado between 2018 and 2020 to understand what contributes to fatal accidents in the state. Out of the 185,486 miles of road in the Centennial State, MoneyGeek's analysis focused on 758 roads.
We explored how hazardous driving behaviors were involved in fatal accidents. Our data showed how many deadly crashes involved distracted driving, speeding or drunk driving. Another angle our analysis considered was which month most of these incidents happened.
Our study also presented data for Colorado's counties and identified the deadliest stretch of road in each.
Key Findings
- W. Colfax Avenue from Ingalls Street to N. Broadway is the deadliest stretch of road in Colorado. Between 2018–2020, 17 fatal accidents occurred here.
- Out of the 1,706 deadly crashes in Colorado, nearly three-quarters involved speeding or drunk driving. Speeding was a factor in 38.9% of fatal accidents, while drunk driving contributed to 33.6% of crashes.
- Distracted driving was a factor in 8.3% of accidents. That’s 141 crashes resulting in fatalities.
- August had the most deadly accidents of any month between 2018–2020. The number of fatal crashes totaled 193 (11.3%). July and June had the next highest counts, with 183 (10.7%) and 178 (10.4%), respectively.
- El Paso County had the highest number of fatal crashes of any county. The majority of these accidents (28) happened on I-25.
10 Deadliest Road Stretches in Colorado
- DEADLIEST ROAD IN COLORADOW. Colfax Avenue from Ingalls Street to N. BroadwayLakewood | Denver
- Fatal Accidents:17
- fatalities:18
- Crashes Per Mile:4.2
- distance:4.1 miles
- N. Academy Boulevard from Austin Bluffs Parkway to E. Platte AvenueColorado Springs
- Fatal Accidents:15
- fatalities:15
- Crashes Per Mile:4.1
- distance:3.6 miles
- S. Academy Boulevard from Airport Road to Ronald Reagan HighwayFountain | Colorado Springs
- Fatal Accidents:12
- fatalities:12
- Crashes Per Mile:2.8
- distance:4.3 miles
- E. Iliff Avenue from S. Tower Road to S. Jamaica StreetAurora
- Fatal Accidents:11
- fatalities:12
- Crashes Per Mile:2.3
- distance:4.8 miles
- I-25 from Exit 138 to Exit 132AColorado Springs | Fountain
- Fatal Accidents:8
- fatalities:9
- Crashes Per Mile:1.6
- distance:4.9 miles
- E. Colfax Avenue from Boston Street to Norfolk StreetAurora
- Fatal Accidents:8
- fatalities:8
- Crashes Per Mile:1.8
- distance:4.4 miles
- S. Wadsworth Boulevard from W. Jewell Avenue to W. 23rd AvenueLakewood
- Fatal Accidents:7
- fatalities:8
- Crashes Per Mile:1.5
- distance:4.7 miles
- I-70 from Exit 277 to Exit 282Denver
- Fatal Accidents:7
- fatalities:7
- Crashes Per Mile:1.4
- distance:4.9 miles
- I-225 from E. Mississippi Avenue to Exit 2BAurora
- Fatal Accidents:6
- fatalities:8
- Crashes Per Mile:1.3
- distance:4.5 miles
- CanAm Highway from Weld County Road 6 1/4 to County Road 14 1/2Fort Lupton
- Fatal Accidents:6
- fatalities:7
- Crashes Per Mile:1.4
- distance:4.3 miles
Drunk Driving Involved in 33.6% of Fatal Accidents
With 1,706 fatal crashes occurring in Colorado between 2018 and 2020, our analysis found that drunk driving contributed to 33.6% of these incidents. That's 574 collisions resulting in fatalities.
Drinking and driving are never a good combination. Even the smallest amount of alcohol in your system impairs your driving abilities. For example, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% makes you legally drunk in Colorado. However, a lower BAC already puts you and your passengers in a dangerous situation.
Your BAC reaches 0.02% after about two alcoholic drinks. At this point, you may have difficulty tracking a moving object (such as pedestrians or other vehicles) and multitasking.
Even in situations that don't lead to fatal accidents, drunk driving can leave you with long-term and potentially expensive repercussions. The cost of drunk driving isn't limited to paying fines. You might also lose your driving privileges and face jail time if caught.
A DUI on your record makes finding cheap auto insurance in Colorado challenging. You'll need to secure SR-22 insurance in Colorado, which costs more than other coverage types.
Speeding Is a Factor in 38.9% of Fatal Crashes
Between 2019 and 2020, the number of speeding-related fatalities in the U.S. increased by around 17%. In Colorado, speeding was a factor in 38.9% of all deadly crashes recorded. Out of 1,706 fatal collisions, 664 involved speeding.
Driving above the allowable speed limit can present multiple hazards. For example, controlling your car becomes more challenging, making a crash more likely. A higher driving speed also increases a collision's impact — you're more likely to sustain severe injuries in an accident.
Distracted Driving Contributed to 8.3% of Fatal Accidents
Although distracted driving only contributed to 8.3% of deadly crashes from 2018 to 2020, that's still 141 recorded incidents. Colorado is currently running its Distractions Reactions Campaign, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.
Besides that, Colorado state law prohibits minors from using mobile phones while behind the wheel. Adults, in comparison, can take regular calls as long as they wear headphones. However, they cannot use their cellphones to send text messages either.
August Had More Fatal Accidents Than Any Other Month
According to MoneyGeek's analysis, August was when the most deadly crashes occurred. The recorded incidents totaled 193, accounting for 11.3% of all fatal accidents in Colorado between 2018 and 2020.
July and June were the months with the following highest figures. Each recorded 183 (10.7%) and 178 (10.4%) fatal collisions, respectively.
Driving Safely Protects You, Others and Your Wallet
Being a safe driver doesn't just benefit Colorado's roadways — it helps you save money in the long term. Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable. No matter how careful you are, you might find yourself involved in one, which is why having auto insurance is crucial. A full coverage car insurance policy protects you and your passengers after a crash.
MoneyGeek puts the average cost of car insurance in Colorado at $1,450 per year. However, your premium may vary depending on where you live. For example, drivers looking for car insurance in Aurora spend around $1,512 per year, on average. In comparison, auto insurance in Fort Collins costs $400 less, at $1,112 annually. You’ll pay an average of $1,447 per year for car insurance in Denver — the state's most populous city.
Remember that MoneyGeek's analysis presents averages. Providers may offer you varying rates based on your unique profile, which considers factors like your age and driving history. It's best to compare estimates to help you find the cheapest car insurance company for your needs.
Fatal Accidents and Most Dangerous Roads: County Breakdown
Out of the total number of incidents in Colorado, the top five counties with the most deadly accidents make up 44% of all deadly crashes. That's 815 fatal accidents recorded from 2018 to 2020.
The county with the highest figure was El Paso, with 219 deadly crashes. Most of these accidents involved drunk driving (96) or speeding (86) and happened along I-25.
Methodology
For this analysis, MoneyGeek utilized 2018, 2019 and 2020 fatality data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatal Accident Reporting System's (FARS) database. Currently, 2020 is the latest data available in the system.
About Doug Milnes, CFA

sources
- National Highway Safety Administration. "Fatal Accident and Reporting System (FARS)." Accessed March 3, 2022.
- Federal Highway Administration. "Highway Statistics Series." Accessed November 1, 2022.
- National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. "Traffic Safety Facts 2020 Data." Accessed September 22, 2022.
- Colorado Department of Transportation. "Distractions Reactions Campaign." Accessed September 22, 2022.
- Colorado General Assembly. "Distracted Driving and Cell Phone Use." Accessed September 22, 2022.