As the Colorado State Patrol wraps up its "Give Me a ‘Brake’" campaign, the reminder is clear: wildlife encounters on the road are a year-round concern. The educational initiative, which aimed to minimize wildlife-vehicle collisions, may be ending this July, but the risks persist. According to the Colorado State Patrol, last year, these types of incidents ranked as the third most common cause for crashes, with the majority resulting in property damage.
Between January 1 and July 17 of 2025, troopers responded to 1,600 animal-involved crashes; 1,525 caused property damage, while 63 led to injuries, and tragically, two were fatalities. Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, stressed that while drivers in mountain communities are on the lookout for wildlife, they "can show up in more unexpected locations everywhere in our state," as per the Colorado State Patrol. Tragedy struck on C-470 this year with two fatal accidents, one involving a moose and the other a deer, illustrating the grim reality of these encounters.
To combat this issue, troopers and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted weekly enforcement on Highway 74 throughout June. The collaborative effort focused on reducing speeds and bolstering awareness, resulting in 20 speeding citations from 31 stops. These proactive measures underscore the unpredictability of driving conditions and the importance of vigilance at all times.
Practical advice is shared by troopers from the Wild Aware and their Wild Eyes Program. Drivers are encouraged to scan for movement and eye shine, use bright lights when safe, and avoid honking at wildlife. In the event of an unavoidable collision, it's advised to brake if possible, use hazard lights, and strive to hit the animal from the side. Most importantly, maintaining control of the vehicle is paramount. With wildlife-vehicle collisions costing drivers significantly, nearly $1.1 billion annually according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, precautionary measures are not only about safety but also economic prudence.
