Traffic deaths surge in Denver
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Last year ended as one of the deadliest on record for Denver's roads.
The big picture: 93 people were killed on local streets in 2025 — 13 more than in the previous year — marking the highest tally since 2013, based on data from the city's Vision Zero program.
- Accidents with serious injuries dipped to 356 last year, from 410 in 2024.
Why it matters: Denver is moving further from its goal to eliminate traffic deaths, as pedestrian traffic fatalities alone rose by a staggering 35%.
- Thirty-five people died while walking, the highest tally over the past 10 years.
State of play: The city has taken measures to curb traffic incidents, but the rising fatalities show officials are "tinkering around the edges," Denver Streets Partnership executive director Jill Locantore tells us.
- Locantore noted the controversial move to drop a redesign on Alameda Avenue — a corridor on the city's high-injury network list — shows officials are reluctant to make effective changes.
What they're saying: "We're letting convenience trump safety," Locantore says, noting speed is the top factor in serious crashes.
- Locantore cited a recent survey showing fewer crashes on York Street after the city removed a lane in 2024.
The other side: Mayor Mike Johnston's SPEED program helped reduce crashes along two major corridors, Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue, per data shared by the city's transportation and infrastructure department.
- Total crash events dropped 10% on Federal and 20% on Alameda between 2023 and November 2025, city data shows.
The intrigue: The city plans on expanding the SPEED program to Colorado Boulevard — another high-injury street — this year.
What's next: Installing automated speed cameras on Federal and Alameda is a major step the city says it will take this year to reduce fatal traffic crashes.