Colorado DUI Vehicular Homicide accidents

Fatalities Involving Impaired Drivers

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), 689 people lost their lives in traffic crashes statewide in 2024. Of those, 287 fatalities—over 40%—involved at least one at-fault driver confirmed to be impaired by alcohol and/or another substance.

Within that category:

• 161 fatalities involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, meeting the statutory threshold for DUI per se in Colorado.

• 50 fatalities involved at-fault drivers who tested positive for both Delta-9 THC and a BAC ≥ 0.08, showing the dangerous combination of alcohol and cannabis use behind the wheel.

• 87 fatalities involved drivers who tested positive for a potentially impairing drug, but had no alcohol or cannabis present or tested below the legal alcohol limit.

These numbers reflect the growing complexity of impaired driving enforcement. Colorado’s legalization of cannabis and the prevalence of prescription medications mean toxicology reports often reveal multiple substances, complicating both crash investigations and criminal prosecutions.

Serious Injury Crashes and Youth Involvement

Beyond fatalities, 582 traffic crashes in 2024 resulted in serious bodily injury and involved suspected impaired drivers. These cases often lead to life-altering consequences for victims and significant criminal exposure for drivers, including potential felony vehicular assault charges under C.R.S. § 18-3-205.

Even more alarming, 35 fatalities involved drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 who tested positive for alcohol or another impairing substance. This statistic highlights the ongoing dangers of underage drinking and drug use—and the critical need for education, enforcement, and intervention strategies aimed at younger drivers.

DUI and DWAI Filings in Colorado Courts

From the judicial side, the Colorado Judicial Branch reports that 16,332 impaired-driving cases were filed statewide in 2024. This figure includes both misdemeanors and felonies:

• 15,279 misdemeanor DUI and DWAI filings, and

• 1,053 felony DUI filings for defendants aged 18 and older.

These numbers demonstrate the sustained focus of law enforcement on impaired driving enforcement and the high volume of DUI cases moving through Colorado’s courts each year. While total filings have remained relatively stable in recent years, the percentage of felony DUIs—typically fourth or subsequent offenses—reflects continued recidivism and repeat behavior among a subset of drivers.

What These Numbers Mean for Colorado Drivers

The 2024 data paints a sobering picture: despite ongoing education and enforcement, impaired driving remains one of Colorado’s most preventable causes of death and serious injury. The intersection of alcohol, cannabis, and other substances presents both legal and scientific challenges that require skilled defense and careful interpretation of evidence.

For those charged with DUI or DWAI in Colorado, the stakes are exceptionally high. A single test result can determine license revocation, jail exposure, and long-term consequences for employment, insurance, and professional licensing. Understanding the nuances of toxicology evidence—and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process—is essential.

Data Sources:
Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) • Colorado Judicial Branch