Summer has barely begun, but we’ve already seen, heard about and reported on a number of dangerous situations that could have been prevented.
On our way to the office Wednesday morning to seek information on a fatal crash, we watched a driver drive through the downtown construction zone in a line of traffic while clearly looking at a phone that was taking his attention off the road. Few things get our blood boiling as much as people blatantly choosing to not be safe and putting others’ lives in danger.
And, with summer just beginning, we know things will only get busier. We’ll have more kiddos out on their bikes and playing outside, more pedestrians strolling through town and, of course, a lot more traffic. Many will follow the rules, but some won’t.
We have to expect the unexpected and do our part to keep ourselves and others safe so we aren’t left mourning needless losses.
Whether you’re walking, biking or driving, know the rules and laws, and ensure those you’re with also know the guidelines and laws associated with your activity. Then, continue to be cautious and aware of those who don’t know the laws or, sadly, don’t care about them.
Look for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists everywhere. They can be hard to see and, in the case of motorcycles, the new lane-filtering law has changed what drivers can expect from motorcycles.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.
Drive the speed limit. If you need to speed to get where you’re going, learn to set your alarm for earlier. It’s nobody else’s fault that you’re in a hurry, and they shouldn’t have to pay the price for your poor decisions.
When you’re on a bike, follow the rules of the road and drive the same direction as traffic. Obey signs, signals and road markings just like if you’re driving car. Assume others don’t see you, and stay alert and focused.
When you’re walking, walk on sidewalks whenever they’re available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic, but stay as far from traffic as possible. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and look for vehicles in all directions before crossing. In the case of our downtown construction zone, only cross at designated, open crosswalks. Never hop the barriers to enter the construction zone.
Never drive impaired or distracted. No matter how short the distance you’re traveling, no matter if you think you’re “fine” to drive or whatever else you may think, it’s not worth it. It puts not only you, but everyone around you at extreme risk.
According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), 1 in 3 fatal crashes last summer involved an impaired driver.
The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day — known as the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer — historically sees a spike in roadway crashes and fatalities across the state, the CSP reports. During the 100 Deadliest Days period in 2024, 221 people were killed on Colorado roads, and about one-third of those fatal crashes involved an impaired driver. Last year, there were 3,325 serious injuries on Colorado roads, and more than half (55 percent) occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Let’s not add to the statistics.
Be safe, and let’s have a great summer.Randi Pierce
