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Colorado Traffic Deaths Rose in 2025, Ending Two-Year Decline

State officials cite a late‑year warm‑weather spike, promising tougher enforcement.

A Ghost Bike memorial has been set up for National Team Cyclist Magnus White, at the site where he was killed along Highway 119 in Boulder, Co on Aug. 11, 2024. Thousands of bicyclists from all 50 states and more than 20 countries participated in the "Ride for Magnus: Ride for Your Life." The event honored 17-year-old rising cycling star Magnus White, whose life was stolen one year ago when he was hit by an impaired driver. Almost 4,000 people, 3,000 in person and 1,000 virtually, turned out to ride their bikes along the 13.5 mile ride. The route took riders passed the location where Magnus was struck and killed. A white ghost bike marks the spot surrounded by flowers, notes, and written sentiments to White. Governor Jared Polis and Congressman Joe Neguse, along with White’s parents Jill and Michael spoke to the crowd during a rally after the memorial ride. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

Overview

  • Preliminary CDOT data show 701 people died on Colorado roads in 2025, a 1.7% increase from 689 in 2024.
  • Crashes involving an impaired driver killed 234 people, up from 215 the prior year and accounting for roughly one-third of all fatalities.
  • The toll included 392 vehicle occupants, 126 pedestrians, 18 cyclists and 147 motorcyclists, underscoring rising risk for vulnerable road users.
  • Officials reported a year‑end surge linked to unseasonably warm weather, with motorcycle deaths up 167% in the final two months versus a year earlier.
  • CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol plan increased patrols, expanded automated speed enforcement and safety‑oriented infrastructure, noting a 70% drop in work‑zone deaths.