Colorado Springs receives federal funds to increase traffic safety by reducing deaths, injuries, crashes
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The city announced Monday that it will receive a $280,000 federal grant from the "Safe Streets and Roads for All" program under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDT).
In a release issued Monday morning, the city said that the money will "fund a citywide traffic safety action plan to reduce roadway deaths and serious injuries."
The city was required to provide a matching amount of 20% ($70,000) to qualify for the grant, bringing the total to be spent on the acrion plan to $350,000.
The city intends to use a data-driven approach to intersection and roadway safety by reviewing and analyzing specific needs; the plan will consist of projects and polices informed by data, best practices and community priorities.
Statistics from the Colorado Springs police department show that as of Monday, the city has had 45 traffic deaths this year; at this time last year, there were 50.
Particularly disturbing is the number of hit-and-run accidents; as of Monday, the city has had seven, equaling the total number in 2022 -- but five of them have resulted in deaths this year, compared to one all of last year.
Police say thar since 2018, the number of crashes has decreased from just over 11,000 in 2018 to nearly 8,900 last year -- however, the percentages of injuries in those accidents has risen from 7% to 14%.
"We've had success in lowering the number of crashes overall, but the increase in serious crashes and deaths aren't where we want to be," said Todd Frisbie, the city's head traffic engineer. "We have a disproportionate number of serious crashes on the southeast side, and in some of our major corridors. We'll be looking at patterns, and are those patterns more than we'd expect in certain areas."
He explained that the most serious crashes happen at intersections.
"At signalized intersections because that's where you have the most traffic," Frisbie said. "You also have your potential for most conflicts. You have a lot of different vehicles doing a lot of different things, a lot of different movements. Those are common factors. Another common factor is the most serious crashes tend to be crashes involving a left turn -- a left turn across traffic that often ends up in a T-bone type of crash."
Some drivers told KRDO that they're glad to see the city working on an action plan.
"There's just too many people on the roads who are in a hurry," said Kenneth Cobb. "People should be more alert to aggressive drivers and more willing to report."
Cindy DeMatto said that an employee of hers was seriously injured when a motorcycle rider ran a red light and hit the victim's car -- killing him in the process.
"I think people should have to re-qualify for their driver's license," she said. "Your eyesight and reflexes should be regularly tested."
The city will hire a consultant to help with the action plan, and consult with police, community groups and citizens.
"It'll take at least a year to complete that process," Frisbie said.
Woodland Park ($220,000) and Huerfano County ($141,680) are also receiving grants from the federal program; according to the USDT, both have higher annual rates of traffic deaths per 100,000 population than Colorado Springs.
