Colorado has major highways entering and exiting the state, making it a hotspot for traffic congestion. Unfortunately, the high volume of vehicles on Colorado’s roads is a major contributor to the number of car accidents. Multiple factors, including drunk driving and weather conditions, can cause auto collisions.
Because of these risks, road safety and prevention measures are critical. Public awareness, enforcement of traffic laws, and safe driving practices, such as avoiding impaired or distracted driving, can help reduce accidents and improve safety for everyone on the road.
In this blog, we will look at crash statistics pulled directly from the Colorado Department of Transportation. However, because the 2025 data is incomplete at this time, we will focus on 2024 and prior years. If you or your loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, get support from our legal team today.
Statistics for Motor Vehicle Accidents in Colorado
Overall, accidents have increased from 2020 (86,304) to 2024 (92,810), with a 7.5% increase over the four-year period. However, there was a large drop from 2023 to 2024, amounting to a 9.2% decline. The impact of this decrease is evident in the number of fatalities. In 2023, Colorado reported 720 traffic fatalities and saw a 5% decrease in 2024 with a recorded 684 deaths.
One factor during this period was the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. Traffic patterns changed significantly from 2020 to 2023, with fewer drivers at times. Some researchers suggest reduced traffic during the pandemic led to riskier behaviors like higher speeds. As travel returned to normal, driver behavior and road conditions may have shifted.
| Year | Number of Accidents |
| 2024 | 92,810 |
| 2023 | 102,166 |
| 2022 | 95,432 |
| 2021 | 97,849 |
| 2020 | 86,304 |
Motor Vehicle Fatalities
As mentioned earlier, Colorado has seen its fair share of motor vehicle crash deaths over the years. The data below shows overall fluctuations in traffic fatalities from 2020 through 2024, with a recent downward trend after a peak from 2022 to 2023. The 11.4% decrease from 2023 to 2024 may suggest improvements in road safety and traffic regulation. Whether this is true will become clearer as time goes on, and we get access to 2025 and 2026 stats.
| Year | Number of Fatalities |
| 2024 | 639 |
| 2023 | 721 |
| 2022 | 764 |
| 2021 | 691 |
| 2020 | 622 |
Accidents Caused by Weather and Road Conditions
Colorado is no stranger to adverse weather conditions, especially in the winter months, ranging from December to February. Slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by rainfall, snow, and hail can significantly increase the chance of a serious accident. This is mainly due to reduced traction and increased stopping distances, which contribute to loss of vehicle control.
The state recorded 22,034 weather-related accidents out of 92,810 total accidents in 2024, meaning these conditions accounted for approximately 23.8% of all reported crashes. The high percentage of accidents caused by weather conditions in recent years may be an aftereffect of the pandemic. From 2020 to 2023, weather-related wrecks increased overall as travel rebounded and more drivers encountered seasonal conditions.
| Year | Number Of Weather-Related Accidents |
| 2024 | 22,034 |
| 2023 | 25,922 |
| 2022 | 24,856 |
| 2021 | 20,080 |
| 2020 | 18,268 |
Motor Vehicle Accidents Caused by Drivers Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly dangerous and puts the driver and those around them at risk of serious harm. The effects of intoxication can lower a person’s reaction times, cause poor judgment, and make it difficult to maneuver a vehicle safely.
From 2018 to 2023, there has been a notable decline in drunk driving accidents. Data from 2018 to 2023 shows 4,946 fewer DUI-related collisions, representing an approximately 23.3% decrease over the five-year period.
| Year | Drunk Driving Accidents |
| 2023 | 16,249 |
| 2022 | 16,844 |
| 2021 | 16,488 |
| 2020 | 17,317 |
| 2019 | 16,475 |
| 2018 | 21,195 |
Get Legal Guidance After a Car Accident in Colorado
It is common for victims of motor vehicle accidents to be unsure of their next steps. You may be dealing with injuries, medical bills, time off work, and a surplus of stress. At Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team is here to help. During an initial consultation, we can answer questions about the settlement process, available damages, insurance, and more.
With our attorneys’ in-depth experience navigating Colorado laws and negotiating with third parties, you can trust us to fight for fair compensation that fully reflects your damages. Get started with a claim today by calling our Colorado office at (303) 381-2234.
