Real risks of speed: Colorado State Patrol investigates more than 560 crashes involving a speeding driver in 2024

Speeding remains a leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado and increases the severity of injuries when a crash occurs. Last year, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) troopers investigated more than 560 fatal and injury crashes that involved a speeding driver.

“There are people out there convinced that speeding is not a public risk and simply a way for law enforcement agencies to generate revenue,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the CSP. “While these same people want to think of their crime as a ‘technical one,’ their actions increase the chance of a crash and elevate the overall damage caused. The higher the speed, the greater the momentum.”

Crash investigators determine if speed was a factor in a crash by analyzing physical evidence like skid marks, the extent of vehicle damage and debris patterns, as well as taking witness accounts. As speed increases, the severity of injuries also rises, sometimes resulting in death.

The real risks of speed

Increased likelihood of crashes:

• Reduced reaction time: At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to sudden changes in traffic, pedestrians or merging vehicles. This significantly increases the chances of collisions. For example, traveling at 60 mph instead of 50 mph cuts your reaction time by 20 percent.
• Challenging maneuvers: Speeding makes it harder to handle turns, curves and emergencies. The vehicle's stability is compromised, raising the risk of losing control.

Extended stopping distances:

• Longer braking distance: As speed increases, so does the distance required to stop. At 60 mph, your car needs about 240 feet to come to a complete stop, compared to 180 feet at 50 mph. This makes it difficult to avoid obstacles or sudden stops.

 Severity of injuries

• Greater impact force: Due to the increased force of impact, high-speed collisions result in more severe injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the risk of severe injury or death increases significantly with each 10 mph increment over the speed limit.
• Compromised safety features: At higher speeds, safety features like seat belts and airbags are less effective, increasing the risk of severe injuries.

“Speeding not only endangers the driver, but also every other pedestrian and driver in the area,” explained Packard. “Rolling the dice by speeding isn’t consensual with motorists around you. It’s a violation of the law.”