Colorado State Patrol is cracking down on unsafe driving. Here's how to avoid a ticket

Justin Reutter, Pueblo Chieftain
·3 min read
2

With increased traffic on Colorado roadways during the summer, the Colorado State Patrol will crack down on unsafe driving Friday.

CSP and various local law enforcement agencies will be out in full force "looking for motorists who are putting the rest of us in harm's way," CSP officials said in a news release. "On this statewide surge enforcement day, troopers will lower their tolerance for lane violations, speeding, and careless and reckless driving behaviors."

Areas around the state that experience increased traffic volumes in the summer months, such as highways 34, 40, 50, 160, and 287, along with the Interstate 70 and Interstate 25 corridors, are expected to see more troopers.

Two of the target roads, I-25 and U.S. Highway 50, converge in Pueblo.

Colorado State Patrol vehicle
Colorado State Patrol vehicle

Locally, "Troop 2D Troopers will be out in full force as we work to combat careless and reckless driving behaviors," said Capt. Michael Tafoya, commander of CSP Troop 2D, which covers southeast Colorado.

"Typically as the weather warms up, schools get let out and people begin their summer travels we see an increase in careless and reckless driving behaviors. We continuously work to deter this type of behavior in an effort to reduce the risk to the motoring public and safeguard the communities we serve."

Colorado recorded 716 deaths on its roadways in 2023, with July being the worst month on record for traffic deaths in the state. In July, 90 people were killed in a single month, according to the release.

Of the 716 deaths, 23 occurred in Pueblo County, according to CDOT.

"This year, Colorado State Troopers intend to send a clear message to drive with safety at the forefront as the season heats up despite increased congestion," CSP officials said in the release.

How to avoid a ticket

In the release, CSP officials shared a few tips on how to avoid a citation:

  • Follow the posted speed limits, and if conditions warrant it, drive a safe speed below the limit. Many factors determine the set speed limit on any given roadway. Oftentimes, those limits are appropriate until unforeseen circumstances call for a speed reduction. Some considerations are:

    • Weather

    • Wildlife

    • Any activity on the right shoulder, including police activity or a citizen changing a tire

    • Heavy traffic

    • Road damage

    • Sun glare

  • Put down all distractions.

    • Let the front seat passenger do the navigation and pick a back seat passenger to do the DJing.

    • Take advantage of a restaurant's dining rooms and avoid eating meals in the driver’s seat. Get those snacks ready and accessible before driving.

  • If you see an aggressive driver, keep your cool. Distance yourself from that driver and avoid eye contact. Have a passenger call *CSP and report the driver, but do not attempt to follow the vehicle.

  • Be certain everyone in your vehicle is buckled up; it is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

  • Keep all items like coolers and handbags tightly stowed away. When breaking hard or crashing, any unsecured item can become dangerous to the occupants of your vehicle.

  • Never use any impairing substance before or while driving. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. The first thing to go with impairment is your decision-making, and deciding you are still okay after using your substance of choice could be the last decision you make.

"As a reminder, troopers are on high alert for seatbelt violations. Warnings will not be issued for safety restraint violations as we continue our 'Buckle Like a Boss' campaign," CSP officials said in the release. "This campaign is designed to increase Colorado’s voluntary seatbelt compliance from 88% in 2023 to meet the national average of 92%."

More crime and public safety news: Pueblo police announce changes to crime responses

Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Colorado State Patrol cracking down on unsafe driving in Pueblo