Colorado’s Stance on High-Risk Driving: A Closer Look

A recent study conducted by WalletHub, a prominent platform focusing on wise financial decisions, has shed light on where Colorado stands in terms of strictness when it comes to high-risk drivers. The study took into account several key factors, including insurance premiums for high-risk drivers, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws, and penalties for speeding and reckless driving. The findings provide valuable insights into Colorado’s approach to addressing risky driving behaviors.

The ranking was determined by averaging these three crucial metrics, offering a comprehensive view of how the state handles high-risk drivers. Let’s delve deeper into each of these aspects to better understand Colorado’s position.

1. Insurance Premiums for High-Risk Drivers:

When it comes to insurance premiums, Colorado falls right in the middle among the states analyzed. On average, high-risk drivers in Colorado can expect to see their insurance premiums increase as follows:

DUI: $539 premium increase

Speeding over 20mph: $277 premium increase

Two accidents: $1,389 premium increase

Reckless driving: $475 premium increase

Driving on a suspended license: $465 premium increase

These figures demonstrate that Colorado imposes moderate increases in insurance premiums for high-risk drivers compared to other states.

2. DUI Laws and Penalties:

Regarding DUI laws, Colorado secured the 17th spot in the rankings. It’s worth noting that this assessment was made before the passage of Colorado’s new felony DUI bill. As such, the ranking may have evolved since the study’s completion, although substantial changes are unlikely given the law’s relatively recent implementation.

3. Penalties for Speeding and Reckless Driving:

Colorado earned the top spot for strictness when it comes to penalties for speeding and reckless driving. The state enforces severe consequences for these violations, including:

Minimum 10 days in jail for first offenses

A $300 fine for first offenses

A $1,000 fine for second offenses

These stringent penalties set Colorado apart from other states and underscore the state’s commitment to deterring reckless driving behaviors.

Intriguingly, the study also revealed that Arizona claimed the title of the strictest state for high-risk drivers, while South Dakota was ranked as the most lenient. These findings offer a unique perspective on how various states across the country approach the regulation of high-risk driving.