Colorado State Patrol saw record-high pedestrian deaths in 2023. How many were in Pueblo?

The Colorado State Patrol saw a record number of pedestrian fatalities in 2023, according to a CSP news release.

According to the state patrol, 153 people were killed in 2023 on foot or on a bicycle, marking an 18% increase over 2022.

Pueblo County saw a total of 15 pedestrian fatalities in 2023. CSP investigated one of those fatalities, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office investigated one, and the Pueblo Police Department investigated the other 13, according to CSP spokesperson Trooper Gabriel Molter.

Four pedestrians died in auto crashes in Pueblo County in 2022, according to Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter.

"Sharing the roads means sharing the responsibility. While motorists need to be on the lookout for runners, bicyclists, and walkers, it’s equally important for pedestrians to avoid complacency about traffic rules put in place for their safety," CSP officials said in the release.

“There is no question about who will suffer the most in a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the state patrol. “Whether it's self-preservation or common sense, pedestrians must be just as aware of their surroundings as motorists are.”

CSP noted that the majority of pedestrian fatality incidents occur at night, although they can happen at any time of day. CSP encourages pedestrians to minimize distractions, such as cell phone usage or wearing noise-canceling headphones that block out traffic noises, and focus on where they are going.

While drivers are responsible for watching for pedestrians and following traffic rules designed to protect them, pedestrians also need to be aware of vehicles and obey traffic rules, CSP officials said.

"If a pedestrian contributes to a crash in some way, such as not following traffic signals, walking into the street while intoxicated, or crossing without checking for traffic, he or she may be assigned partial or full fault for the collision," the release states.

When CSP looked at the top citations involving pedestrians from 2023, the most common involved individuals disregarding the safety device trying to protect them.

Here are the state patrol's top citation categories involving pedestrians last year:

How pedestrians can keep themselves safe

CSP and the National Safety Council offer the following tips for traffic safety:

• Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.

• Follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs and signals.

• When available, cross streets at crosswalks.

• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you.

• Stay alert — avoid cell phone use and wearing earbuds.

• Avoid alcohol and drug impairment when walking or biking.

• At night, wear bright/or reflective clothing or use a flashlight.

• A special note to parents: Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult.

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This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pedestrian traffic deaths more than tripled in Pueblo last year