Colorado reports decrease in summer impaired driving deaths

Colorado has seen a decrease in traffic fatalities involving suspected impairment during the summer of 2026. Data from the Colorado Department of Transportation indicates that between January and June, there were 72 deaths, representing a 28.7 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025.

As of September 3, 2026, 37 deaths involving suspected impairment have been recorded during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This follows a period in 2025 where 82 such deaths were recorded during the same timeframe.

In response to the ongoing risks, the Colorado State Patrol and 20 local law enforcement agencies are conducting “The Heat is On” crackdowns on impaired driving from September 3 through September 9, 2026.