The Colorado State Patrol launched National Teen Driver Safety Week on October 19 to tackle rising risks for young drivers across the state. This annual event highlights dangers like speeding and distraction that lead to thousands of citations and crashes each year.
Shocking Stats on Teen Crashes in Colorado
Teen drivers face higher risks on Colorado roads than many realize. In 2024, state troopers issued more than 8,000 tickets to drivers aged 16 to 19. Speeding topped the list with over 4,000 violations, including 2,000 cases where teens exceeded limits by 10 to 19 miles per hour.
Recent data shows the problem persists into 2025. Last year, 88 young drivers under 20 lost their lives in crashes, a 63 percent jump over the past decade. In 2023, that number hit a record 101 deaths. Nationally, teens under 20 are three times more likely to crash than older drivers, with seven teen fatalities daily on U.S. roads.
A Forbes Advisor study ranked Colorado tenth for young drivers in fatal wrecks tied to distracted or drowsy driving. These figures underscore why officials push for change now, especially as summer break approaches and more teens hit the highways.
| Year | Young Driver Fatalities (Under 20) | Top Crash Factors |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 101 | Speeding, Distraction |
| 2024 | 88 | Speeding, Failure to Yield |
| Trend | Up 63% in Decade | Drowsy Driving Rising |
Speeding Tops the List of Teen Violations
Speed not only boosts crash chances but also worsens outcomes when accidents happen. Trooper Gabriel Molter noted that such habits can limit a teen’s freedom, like losing driving privileges for school or work. In May 2024 alone, speeding caused the most at-fault crashes among young drivers, per Colorado Department of Transportation reports.
Parents often worry about this as teens gain independence. One recent event in Denver saw a teen speeding through a school zone, leading to a minor collision that could have turned deadly. Experts link this to inexperience, with new licenses bringing a false sense of confidence.
To fight back, the patrol stresses that simple choices matter. Slowing down by just 10 miles per hour can cut crash severity in half, based on safety studies.
Spotting Warning Signs in Young Drivers
The Colorado State Patrol shares seven red flags to help parents spot unsafe habits early. These come from years of crash data analysis and aim to prevent tragedies before they occur.
Recognizing issues like frequent phone use or ignoring speed limits allows for quick intervention. For instance, if a teen rushes home late at night, it might signal drowsy driving risks.
- Excessive phone handling while driving
- Ignoring seat belts or passenger rules
- Frequent near-misses reported by friends
- Arguing about traffic laws at home
- Skipping practice drives with parents
- High insurance claims from minor incidents
- Complaining about fatigue after long trips
By addressing these, families can build better habits. One parent in Grand Junction shared how talking about these signs helped her daughter avoid a ticket during rush hour.
CSP’s Push for Education and Awareness
This week, the patrol rolls out programs on social media to educate teens about speeding dangers. Videos and posts cover real stories from crash survivors, making the message hit home.
In past years, similar efforts cut distraction-related incidents by 15 percent in targeted areas. Now, with 2025 underway, they partner with schools for workshops. A recent session in Colorado Springs drew over 200 students, focusing on drowsy driving after late-night study sessions.
Troopers also enforce graduated driver laws strictly. Teens under 18 face curfews from midnight to 5 a.m. in their first year, a rule that has saved lives by limiting nighttime risks.
Practical Tips to Keep Teens Safe
Parents play a key role in guiding new drivers. Start by modeling good behavior, like always buckling up and avoiding texts at the wheel. Set clear rules: no extra passengers for the first six months, and limit drives to daylight hours initially.
Teens should practice in varied conditions, from city traffic to mountain passes unique to Colorado. Apps that track driving habits offer feedback without nagging.
For entertainment, share fun facts: Did you know safe drivers save up to 20 percent on insurance? This motivates while solving real problems like high premiums for risky behavior.
Experts recommend 50 hours of supervised driving before solo trips. Tie this to recent events, like the uptick in summer crashes, to keep discussions timely.
Talk to your teen today about these safety steps. Share this article on social media or leave a comment below with your driving tips to help spread the word and protect more young lives on Colorado roads.
