08/26/2026
The latest in traffic safety news
August 2026
CDOT Motorcycle Safety pamphlets next to Motorcycle riding gloves.
CDOT and CSP promote safe, sober riding ahead of Sturgis Rally
Ahead of the 86th annual Sturgis Rally and corresponding high-visibility enforcement period, CDOT partnered with the Colorado State Patrol and the Motorcycle Operator Safety Training program to host an informal media event at Mile High Harley-Davidson. With peak riding season underway and an expected increase in motorcycle traffic leading up to the rally, CDOT and partnering agencies promoted sober, responsible riding and reminded drivers that motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable people on our roads.
- Campaign Corner -
Child Passenger Safety
Graphic of a child in a car seat with the text overlay "Is you child in the right car seat? Ask the Experts" with the Car Seats Colorado logo.
Free car seat check event helps families start the school year safely →
Drugged Driving
Graphic with cannabis on a table with the text overlay "How long should I wait to drive after getting high?"
How long should I wait to drive after getting high? →
The Heat is On (Impaired Driving)
A hand holding up a business card that reads: “Get home safe. Never drive impaired.”
The Heat Is On hits the Civic Center Night Market →
- National & State News -
A handle of an electric vehicle sticking out of its hold.
NHTSA starts rulemaking process that would require obvious door handles (Repairer Driven News) →
A woman buckles a young boy’s helmet.
Road deaths fall by 21% globally but stronger action is needed to save lives (World Health Organization) →
A sign warns drivers that there are motorcyclists present
Ending Vulnerable Road User deaths by 2035 (The White Line) →
- Research -
A Waymo driverless car waits as pedestrians cross the street.
New IIHS research finds Waymo driverless vehicles crash less often than human drivers (GHSA) →
A side-view of a car as it speeds down a road.
Speeding barely saves you any time, new study finds (Vice) →
car with the hood open, displaying its engine
Driver death rates remain high for small cars, models with powerful engines (IIHS)→
- Partner Resources -
Header image with the text overlay "Colorado kids just got safer" and the Car Seats Colorado logo.
Despite advancements in vehicle safety, car crashes continue to pose a substantial risk to children, and many caregivers in Colorado are still misusing car seats. In 2024, 74% of all car seats inspected in Colorado were not being used correctly, putting children at risk, according to data provided by the Child Passenger Safety Board’s National Digital Car Seat Check Database.
Please join us in ensuring that every child is as safe as possible during every car ride. Access all Child Passenger Safety toolkit materials here. Thank you for your help in keeping all child passengers safe!
- Data Corner -
A CDOT data graph showing traffic fatalities in 2025 vs. 2026 year to date. 2025 total year to date: 363, 2025 impairment-related year to date: 131. 2026 total year to date: 315, 2026 impairment-related year to date: 85
A CDOT data graph showing 2026 fatalities by mode through June. The fatality data is as follows: Car/Truck: 190, Bicycle: 9, Pedestrian: 46, Motorcycle: 63
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Colorado Department of Transportation
2829 W. Howard Place
Denver, CO 80204
303-757-9011
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