Three driver behaviors caused almost 96 percent of Colorado traffic deaths in 2013, according to a report released this week by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The report lists speeding as responsible for 177 (36.8 percent) deaths, failure to use seatbelts for 150 (31.2 percent) deaths, and alcohol-impaired drivers for 134 (27.9 percent) deaths.
The report lists 481 traffic deaths in 2013, up from 472 in 2012. This was the second increase in seven years, after fatalities declined from 2007 through 2011, according to CDOT.
The five year trend shows fewer speed and alcohol-related fatalities, but more unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities. CDOT reports those increased 5.4 percent between 2009 and 2013, and 12 percent from 2012 to 2013.
Darrell Lingk, director of CDOT's Office of Transportation Safety, said, "Focusing prevention efforts on these three areas provides the greatest opportunity to impact the total number of fatalities. But there are many other traffic safety issues that also need attention, such as pedestrian safety and impaired driving involving marijuana and other drugs."
He continued, "Local community efforts provide critical programs that help move the needle in terms of decreasing motor vehicle fatalities and serious injury crashes."
As part of this, CDOT is offering grant funds for local efforts through the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act. Total funding is projected at around $3.5 million, with grants averaging $50,000 to $75,000.
Applications are due by 3 p.m. on April 1. The Request for Application (RFA) process starts with a webinar that will cover the 2015 Problem Identification Report and the FY 2016 grant funding process.
View the webinar at https://cdphe.adobeconnect.com/cdot.
Funding priority will go to projects that address key traffic safety issues in the state, including impaired driving, occupant protection, pedestrian safety, and distracted driving.
Grants will be for three years, contingent on program performance, adherence to program specifications, and availability of funding.
