Colorado could break deadly record as traffic fatalities continue to rise

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – As Colorado Springs is ready to interrupt a file for essentially the most visitors deaths seen within the metropolis, Colorado as a complete may see the same pattern.

Colorado Springs has formally seen 51 deaths on the street as of Tuesday. However, a person died after being hit whereas crossing a street on the southeast aspect of the town. If the El Paso County coroner guidelines his explanation for demise to be brought on by the automobile, this may push this quantity to 52, surpassing the file set in 2020.

Statewide, the Colorado Division of Transportation studies the same pattern. They report that visitors deaths have risen 50% since 2011 as a result of a rise in unsafe drivers. In addition they say in 2021, they noticed essentially the most deaths since 2002. That quantity was 672, in comparison with 2002′s 743.

This 12 months, that quantity has already reached 623. With 2022 seeing a mean of about 62 deaths per thirty days, that quantity may not solely surpass 2021′s, but additionally the file set in 2002.

However to these impacted by these crashes, these statistics are extra than simply numbers. These are lives. These symbolize a better likelihood of another person dropping somebody they love. 11 Information has spoken to a number of folks for the reason that 12 months started about these crashes, a few of which misplaced family members in a few of these crashes. All through each crash is one frequent thread: they urge others to be extra cautious in order that future tragedies could also be prevented.

“Don’t put your youngsters via this; your mother, your dad, your little sisters, your sisters, anyone, don’t do that,” stated Crystal Tapia, the sister of Micahel Tapia Jr., who was killed in a crash in October.

Police in Colorado Springs share the same message after the fatality on South Academy on Monday.

“That’s a brother, sister, mother or dad that’s not gonna be round for the vacations,” stated Lieutenant Shannon Snuggs. “Please decelerate, drive protected, take your time.”

As for why this pattern is going on, officers with CDOT say they’ve seen extra distracted drivers, in addition to extra folks driving with out seat belts.

Because the numbers stand now, extra folks have died on the street in Adams County than wherever else within the state in 2022 thus far, with El Paso County shut behind. Regardless, this 12 months will go down on file for being one of many deadliest on the street.

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