Did you know that Mesa County has one of the highest roadway death rates per capita in Colorado?
It’s a sobering fact that puts our community in a spotlight we don’t want to be in. While Colorado overall has seen recent improvements in traffic safety, Mesa County continues to face an uphill battle when it comes to reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
We’re here to break down the data, highlight the risks, and — most importantly — remind drivers of the simple but powerful ways they can help make our roads safer.
🚗 Mesa County Crash Statistics (2016–2022)
According to the Mesa County Safety Action Plan, from 2016 to 2022, there were:
- Over 17,000 total crashes
- 594 crashes involving a fatality or serious injury
- 76 crashes that resulted in at least one death
- 2,049 rural crashes, with 147 resulting in serious injury or death
The highest number of total crashes occurred in 2019 (2,718). Both 2020 and 2022 saw 2,230 crashes — the lowest during the 7-year period. However, 2022 marked the deadliest year, with the most fatalities.
Rural areas had fewer crashes overall, but a significantly higher percentage of them involved severe injuries or death.
📉 Encouraging Trend: Traffic Fatalities Down in 2024
In a promising update, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported a statewide decrease in fatal crashes in 2024:
- 2024 Traffic Fatalities: 130
- 2023 Traffic Fatalities: 164
(Source: KJCT News)
CDOT attributes this drop to fewer deaths involving:
- Unbuckled passengers
- Motorcyclists
- Teen drivers
- Impaired or distracted driving
This is a win for Colorado, but we must keep the momentum going — especially in counties like Mesa, where the fatality rate per capita is still higher than average.
⚠️ Why Are Mesa County Roads So Dangerous?
Several factors contribute to high fatal crash rates in Mesa County:
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to wear seatbelts
- Distracted driving (including mobile phone use)
- Rural road conditions (long distances, limited lighting, high speeds)
- Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists) experiencing higher injury and fatality rates
Certain road segments and intersections in Grand Junction and across the county are identified in the Safety Action Plan as part of the High Injury Network — locations with three or more severe crashes between 2016–2022.
✅ How You Can Stay Safe on Mesa County Roads
Every driver can make a difference. Whether you're commuting in Grand Junction, driving along rural highways, or navigating busy intersections, follow these tips:
- Buckle Up – Always.
- Slow Down – Speed is a leading factor in fatal crashes.
- Stay Focused – Keep your eyes on the road, not your phone.
- Never Drive Impaired – Don’t risk lives. Use a designated driver or rideshare.
- Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists – Especially at night and in high-traffic areas.
- Be Cautious on Rural Roads – Reduced visibility, wildlife, and high speeds add risk.
📍 What’s Next: Community Action & Local Solutions
Mesa County is taking steps toward safer roads. The Mesa County Safety Action Plan targets:
- High-risk intersections
- Improvements to road signage and lighting
- Awareness campaigns for seatbelt use and impaired driving
- Data-driven interventions in both urban and rural areas
But change doesn’t just happen in government buildings. It happens behind the wheel — with you.
🔗 Learn More and Stay Informed
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🛑 Final Thought: Every Life Matters
Mesa County’s high traffic fatality rate is not just a number — it’s a wake-up call. Let’s all commit to being more alert, more respectful, and more responsible behind the wheel.
Together, we can save lives and make our roads safer for everyone. If you have been injured in or tragically lost a loved one to an accident, contact our Veritas team today - we will have your back every step of the way to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
