Since the *CSP (*277) program was implemented in July 1998, Colorado motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians have reported thousands of “real-time” aggressive drivers and suspected DUI drivers. Last year, the Colorado State Patrol’s *CSP calls for aggressive drivers surpassed calls regarding suspected impairment.
In 2024, Colorado State Patrol emergency dispatchers answered nearly 55,000 total *CSP calls with 56% (30,779) related to road rage or aggressive driving. Overall *CSP calls declined by approximately 2% from 2023 (55,107 total), but the percentage of road rage or aggressive driving calls took a slightly larger percentage of the *CSP calls for the year. In 2023, 54% of the calls were related to road rage or aggressive driving.
“When someone cuts you off, tailgates or flies by you at the speed of a cheetah, you may be tempted to react,” said Chief Matthew C. Packard, Colorado State Patrol. “However, anger can escalate quickly and turn violent. Your best response is to keep a level head and your distance. Let the aggressive driver move on, and do not engage.”
While many behaviors indicate aggressive driving or a road rage situation, some of the most notable behaviors include:
- Excessive speeding
- Tailgating
- Honking in anger
- Making angry gestures
- Passing on the right
- Showing a weapon
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver
If you see these behaviors, you are encouraged to find a safe spot to pull over. Then, contact the Colorado State Patrol by calling *CSP (*277). Be prepared to provide the following information: vehicle description, license plate number, location and direction of travel, driver description, and the driving behavior being demonstrated.
In addition, all emergency calls can be made to 9-1-1.