Police seek to reduce traffic fatalities in Colorado Springs
El Paso County and Colorado Springs hope to reverse a growing trend of increased traffic fatalities after both set records in 2017.
The county recorded 76 deaths and the city 39.
Particularly troubling, however, is that a third killed in city crashes were either bicyclists (3) or pedestrian (10), combining for a third of all crashes last year.
Sgt. Jim Stinson, of the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Major Accident Unit, said investigators responded to 90 accidents in 2017.
“It could have been worse because some of them, it’s hard to believe victims survived,” he said.”
Stinson cites distracted driving, speeding, the influence of drugs and alcohol, lack of awareness and failure to use seat belts as factors in the 39 deaths.
“We also need drivers to be more considerate and compassionate,” he said. “That would help reduce fatalities. Until drivers start doing that, I’m afraid we’re going to see more fatalities.”
On Monday, there were two similar accidents that were not fatal; a vehicle hit a man crossing the intersection of Nevada Avenue and Las Vegas Street; and another vehicle hit a man on a bicycle on Kiowa Street near the downtown library.
Mike Edwards was the driver in the bicycle accident.
“I clipped him as I went by,” he said. “I’m terribly sorry that I hit him. But to be honest with you, sometimes it seems inevitable that people get hurt.”
Edwards blamed traffic markings at the crash scene, in which the right lane merges into a bike lane as a right turn lane appears.
“I was confused when I saw that,” Edwards said. “I don’t drive over here often. I didn’t expect the bike rider to be where he was.”
Some drivers also say recent road improvements, such as at the interchange of Interstate 25 and Cimarron Street, leave drivers unfamiliar with a new traffic flow that may make them unable to react quickly to pedestrians and bicycles.
People who spoke with KRDO NewsChannel 13 had mixed opinions about who is at fault in such accidents and who bears the greatest responsibility for safety.
“It’s my responsibility to take care of my own life,” said Karen Wilburn, a pedestrian. “I’m always on the lookout for vehicles. I don’t trust anybody on the road.”
Karl Rodriguez survived crashing his bicycle into a truck last year.
“Everyone has to mind the driving laws,” he said. “When you’re on a bike, you’re vulnerable. You have to watch out for the cars and the cars have to watch out for you.”
It’s a frustrating situation for all involved: many cyclists break the law by riding on sidewalks because they fear drivers not honoring bike lanes; and many drivers accuse cyclists of not obeying traffic laws while accusing pedestrians or jaywalking or starting across a crosswalk when it’s unsafe to do so.
