Zero Tolerance Policy in Place to Combat Deadly Trend in Traffic Crashes in Rural Colorado County

There has been a concerning increase in fatal traffic accidents in one Colorado county in recent weeks. These tragic incidents have included a deadly head-on collision on Highway 40 and a crash on Highway 9 that claimed the lives of a family of five. In response to these devastating fatalities, the Grand County Sheriff's Office has implemented a zero-tolerance approach to combat reckless driving, particularly focusing on speeding and aggressive driving behaviors. Sheriff Brett Schroetlin stated that this new policy aims to address the rise in dangerous driving practices, such as excessive speeding, illegal passing, and aggressive maneuvers. With five fatal crashes already in Grand County by mid-2025, compared to zero in 2023, the Sheriff emphasized the severity of the situation and the need to deter dangerous driving habits. Drivers caught engaging in extreme speeding or aggressive behaviors could potentially face jail time. The Colorado Department of Transportation is also intensifying efforts to combat impaired driving, especially in anticipation of the Labor Day weekend, historically a busy travel period. CDOT's upcoming DUI crackdown initiative, "The Heat Is On," will run from August 15 to September 3, seeking to reduce impaired driving fatalities during the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer." The campaign will involve increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies statewide. Col. Matthew C. Packard of the Colorado State Patrol urged the public to prioritize safe transportation options and avoid getting behind the wheel if impaired. It is emphasized that DUI incidents in Colorado can result in significant financial penalties and societal repercussions, including job loss. CDOT will also be focusing on educating the public about the consequences of refusing a DUI test under Colorado's Expressed Consent Law. Forthcoming DUI enforcement efforts will center around Fall Festivals, from September 11 to October 22, to continue efforts to reduce impaired driving-related fatalities. A graph illustrating impaired driving-related fatalities in July over the years highlights a consistent trend of deaths, with July 2024 recording 28 fatalities, up from 24 in 2023.