Denver Road Safety Overview
The “Mile High City” is also Colorado’s most populated urban area, and with a high population, car accidents become common in the community. Witnessing a car accident in Denver can be a part of everyday life in Colorado. People who use cars, bicycles, or their feet to navigate the city’s roads should have a clear understanding of the risks they face when commuting in the city so they can better mitigate these risks and protect themselves from harm.
Key Denver Traffic Safety Statistics
Over 100,000 traffic accidents were reported to the Denver Police Department in 2023, including everything from single-vehicle collisions with stationary objects to multi-vehicle pileups. This means that on any given day in 2023, about 280 traffic-related incidents occurred, or about ten per hour.
Most of these traffic accidents did not result in any injuries. However, every year, about 70 people are killed in vehicle accidents. The lowest number of traffic fatalities within the previous five years was reported in 2020 when only 51 people were killed.
Between 2021 and 2023, the number of traffic-related deaths steadily climbed to a peak of 77 deaths in 2023. The next year, the car accident fatalities fell back to 62, just one death more than what was recorded in 2019. Thus far, there have been six traffic-related fatalities in 2025.
The number of people experiencing serious bodily injury in a wreck has followed a similar pattern. Four hundred twenty-five people sustained serious injuries in accidents in 2023, while only 410 experienced similar injuries in 2024.
Other Road Users
In 2023, 32 pedestrians, eight motorcyclists, and three bicyclists were killed in Denver. Many more were seriously hurt, with 829 people on foot, 1,367 motorcyclists, and 429 bikers sustaining serious injuries in the city that year.
How Dangerous Are Denver Work Zones?
Road construction zones present unique dangers to motorists and the workers who are present in these areas. Fortunately, these areas do not consistently result in a high number of fatalities. The deadliest year for work zones was 2020. During this year, six people lost their lives in work zone traffic crashes. However, there were no such deaths in 2023 and only one in 2024.
Most Dangerous Roads in Denver
Not every part of Denver is as dangerous for motorists as others. Some streets and highways experience several fatal accidents, while others do not have any at all. The following roads are notable for having several fatality wrecks in 2022:
- Colfax Avenue
- Interstate 70
- North Valley Highway
- Route 6
- Colorado Boulevard
Many of the fatality wrecks reported on these roads happened near interchanges and intersections with other roads. While an accident can happen anywhere, motorists should exercise additional caution at these locations because of traffic that can be approaching from various angles.
Improving Road Safety in Denver
Denver has various projects aimed at increasing road safety for all users. Some of these projects include:
- “Bus bulbs” to allow people to board and disembark from buses more safely
- Repaving and remarking streets for easier visibility
- Adding additional signs, especially for bicyclists and pedestrian crossings
- Modifying speed limits in certain congested areas
These and similar projects have been ongoing since 2017.
How Safe Are Denver Roads?
Like any large city, Denver experiences many traffic accidents every year, some of which lead to serious injuries or death. While the city is taking steps to improve road safety, more time is needed to see whether these improvements will have the desired effect. Until then, drivers and others who must use the city’s roads should continue to exercise caution when out in Denver.