The number of young people dying in crashes on Colorado’s roads has nearly doubled in the last decade, prompting state transportation officials to remind young drivers to drive safely.
In 2025, 86 drivers and passengers between the ages of 15 and 20 died in crashes on Colorado roads — a 91% increase from the 45 deaths recorded in 2015, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
“As teens look ahead to traveling more while school is out for the summer, the Colorado Department of Transportation reminds them that their actions behind the wheel matter,” department officials said Tuesday in a news release.
Crashes that lead to death or injuries for people of all ages spike during the summer, the agency said.
The top factors for teen crashes in 2025 were distracted driving, speeding, lane violations and following other vehicles too close, according to the Colorado State Patrol. More than a third of the teens who died in crashes did not wear a seatbelt, according to state officials.
“Driving a vehicle is an immense responsibility requiring safe driving behavior that parents and all adults should model for young drivers so they observe, learn and adapt good, safe habits from the very start,” CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said in the release.
