Pueblo, CO – As road construction season begins in Colorado Springs, city officials are urging drivers to stay vigilant and patient, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on the road. The warning comes as recent reports highlight a concerning trend in distracted driving and accidents within construction zones.
Colorado Springs Police Sergeant Shawn Peterson expressed concern over the growing issue of distracted driving. “A lot of people just are distracted and they just don’t have their heads up and paying attention to the roadway in front of them,” Peterson said. This lack of awareness has proven dangerous, with Colorado Springs Utilities reporting 12 traffic crashes involving crews working in the field during 2024.
One of the most alarming incidents involved a driver who, while attempting to send a text message to a family member, drove through a work zone and nearly collided with equipment. Michael Myers, the manager of safety and health at Colorado Springs Utilities, described the situation, noting, “They were actually looking down at their phone trying to send a text message to their mom.” This close call highlights the dangers of distracted driving in construction zones, where workers are especially vulnerable.
The issue is not limited to near-misses. According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), fatalities in work zones nearly doubled in 2024, with 31 deaths reported, compared to just 16 the previous year. CSP officials stress that many drivers are unaware of entering a construction zone, often continuing at the same speed without adjusting to the potential hazards. “The majority of the time, they don’t even know they’re in a construction zone,” said Sergeant Peterson. “They’re going from minding their business, you know, on the highway, or wherever they’re at, and they just continue at the same speed.”
To combat these issues, the Colorado Springs Police Department is increasing awareness and enforcing stricter penalties. Drivers caught speeding in a construction zone face double fines, a measure intended to deter reckless driving and ensure the safety of both motorists and workers.
With the road construction season in full swing, authorities are calling on the public to remain alert, slow down, and keep distractions at bay. As roadwork continues across the city, officials hope that heightened awareness and stricter enforcement will lead to safer conditions for everyone on the road.
