Colorado launches ambitious plan to eliminate roadway fatalities

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the development of Colorado's 2025 Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on state roadways. Gabby Gamili, a traffic and safety planner, highlighted the urgent need for this initiative, citing that 720 individuals lost their lives in traffic incidents in 2023, with over 3,000 sustaining serious injuries.

The SHSP, a reimagining of the previous Strategic Transportation Safety Plan (STSP), is mandated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing key safety needs and guiding investment decisions. The plan will be developed in collaboration with various state agencies, including the Departments of Revenue, Public Health, Education, and the State Patrol, ensuring a coordinated approach to traffic safety.

Gamili emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in the early stages of the SHSP's creation, with plans for listening sessions across Colorado's regions to gather feedback from transportation officials and community members. These sessions aim to assess current safety challenges, identify effective strategies, and explore potential funding sources.

Additionally, David Swenka presented findings from a Vulnerable Road User (VRU) Safety Assessment, mandated by the federal government, which aims to address the alarming rise in non-motorist fatalities. The assessment revealed that non-motorist fatalities in Colorado have tripled since 2010, underscoring the need for targeted safety measures.

The SHSP is set to be completed by November 2025, with ongoing data collection and stakeholder engagement planned throughout the process. The meeting underscored a commitment to achieving zero deaths and serious injuries on Colorado roadways, aligning with the state's broader transportation safety vision.