Are truckers to blame for most commercial vehicle crashes on Colorado roads?
Colorado state patrol says no.
New data from CSP shows about one-third of deadly CMV incidents are traced back to truckers or their vehicles. The rest are caused by something else, like other drivers or road conditions.
“Reducing the frequency of these crashes doesn’t stem from a singular problem and will require the attention and safe driving practices of every motorist on the road,” CSP says in a release. “This includes drivers staying focused on the road, providing space around the CMVs, including staying out of their blind spots, and avoiding unsafe passing that results in ‘cutting off’ a large vehicle.”
The past few years have been the deadliest in history for CMVs. Fatal incidents peaked in 2021 with 79 statewide. Then, things got better, falling by 19% in 2022 and another 19% in 2023.
But this year is trending in the wrong direction. Through October, CSP reports 48 fatal CMV incidents, up from 43 this time last year.
And we are entering the deadliest season for truckers. Unlike passenger crashes, which peak in the summertime, CMV incidents start spiking in October and get worse as the roads get worse. January is the deadliest time for truckers.
DMs for truckers
Starting last year CSP was piloting a new safety program at the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels. Troopers used a CMV tech platform, Drivewyze, to direct message truckers, saying, “Gear Down – Slow Down.”
Results have been promising. CMVs are traveling four to five miles per hour slower than before. Another pilot with Drivewyze launched this year on Wolf Creek Pass.