Colorado’s Deadliest Roads and Fatal Accident Statistics

10 Deadliest Road Stretches in Colorado

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.