Deadly Wrecks On The Rise Across Colorado

Colorado state troopers and the Department of Transportation are trying to put the brakes on a trend they say is on the rise in 2012: deadly wrecks.

Through April, 127 fatalities were reported to the state. That’s a 19 percent increase over the same time last year. If it continues, it would add up to the deadliest year on the road since 2007.

“These statistics aren’t just numbers. They represent the lives of mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and just this week, a police officer,” said Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “It’s time that Coloradans say, ‘Enough is enough,’ and demand an end to impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding and aggressive driving. It’s time we take responsibility to wear our seat belts, make sure our passengers do the same, and protect children in the proper car seat or booster seat.”

The state Department of Transportation hopes releasing this information helps the public change course.

“Each DUI arrest made and every seat belt citation written represents lives saved,” said Darrell Lingk, director of CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety. “Each one of us can do our part to save lives by making a choice to slow down, buckle up and drive sober. We need to work together to make sure our friends and loved ones never drive impaired or get into a car with a driver who’s been drinking or taking drugs. Take two seconds to buckle up, put the cellphone down and focus on driving.”

State troopers said drunken driving also contributes to the death toll on the road. They suggest preparing for a night out by arranging a safe ride home beforehand.

“Know how you’re getting home before, because your judgement is going to be altered if you’re under the influence, so if you don’t have that plan, you’re not going to be thinking right,” said Cpl. Ryan Novotny with the Colorado State Patrol.