GOLDEN, Colo. — Officials with Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced measures being taken to address a spike in deadly crashes Tuesday afternoon.
CSP said high visibility enforcement patrols will be taking place in targeted areas, and there will be a lower tolerance for drivers committing lane violations.
More than 590 traffic deaths due to crashes have been reported so far in 2021, putting the state on pace for its worst year since the early 2000s, according to CSP.
>Video above: Victims of Denver traffic crashes remembered as fatalities hit 15-year high.
Patrols have already increased in three areas where the most fatal crashes are happening, and CSP said troopers will also staff overtime shifts for DUI enforcement across the state.
CSP said the expanded measures will remain in place through at least the end of the year.
Denver’s roadways have seen 73 traffic deaths so far in 2021, the most since the city implemented its Vision Zero plan, which aims to end traffic deaths by the year 2030.
The death toll for people in cars, on motorcycles, on bikes and pedestrians is up significantly compared to the 61 deaths on Denver roadways in 2016, the year Mayor Michael Hancock announced the city’s commitment to the plan.
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