August 12, 2025

August is National Traffic Awareness Month, a special time dedicated to making sure we all understand how important it is to be safe on the road. Whether you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or walking, we all share the road.

Think about it: Every day, people travel from one place to another. We’re going to school, to work, to the store, or just visiting friends and family. If we’re not careful, crashes can happen, and nobody wants that!

So, what can we do to make our roads safer for everyone? Here are some simple tips:

For Drivers:

• Slow Down. Speed limits aren’t just suggestions, they’re there to keep us safe. Driving too fast means you have less time to react if something unexpected happens.

• Put Down the Phone. Texting or talking on your phone while driving is dangerous. The Colorado Hands-Free Law makes it illegal to use a cellphone or any device that is not hands-free while driving. Your eyes and your mind should be on the road at all times. If you need to use your phone, pull over safely first.

• Buckle Up, Every Time. This one is a no-brainer! Seat belts save lives. Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up, no matter how short the trip.

• Don’t Drive Tired or After Drinking. If you’re sleepy, pull over and rest. And NEVER drive after drinking alcohol. Always find a sober driver or call a ride.

• Watch Out for Others. Keep an eye out for people walking, biking, or even other cars. Be prepared for them to do unexpected things.

• Stay Calm to Stay Safe. Aggressive driving is a leading cause of crashes in El Paso County. Prevent road rage by ensuring you are in a calm and controlled mood before getting on the road.

• Keep Space to Keep Peace. Following too closely behind other cars is a contributing cause in many crashes and can result in aggressive driving. Leave some extra space to keep everyone safe.

For Walkers & Bikers:

• Be Seen. Wear bright clothes, especially if it’s getting dark. If you’re biking at night, make sure your bike has lights on the front and back.

• Cross Safely. Use crosswalks whenever you can. Look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.

• Follow the Rules. Bikes should follow the same traffic rules as cars. Walkers should use sidewalks when they are available.

• No Headphones or Loud Music. If you’re listening to music, keep the volume low enough so you can still hear what’s happening around you.

Why is this so important?

Being aware on the road means everyone gets to their destination safely. When we all do our part, we make our communities safer and happier places to live. Let’s work together by making a special effort to be more aware and responsible on the road. Don’t forget to share these tips with your friends and family!