Mesa County Ranks Fourth in State for Speeding Charges

Grand Junction —Mesa County sits at number four in the state for speeding charges, trailing only Summit and Eagle counties. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) released data showing 198 charges in Mesa County, placing it firmly among the leading counties for speed-related citations on the Western Slope.

This isn’t just about getting a ticket for going 65 in a 55. CSP ranked these counties based on charges for speeds 20 to 40+ mph above the posted limit. The numbers tell a clear story about where drivers are losing control.

Summit County leads with 565 charges. Eagle County follows with 310. Garfield County holds third place with 239 charges. Mesa County’s 198 puts it ahead of La Plata County, which recorded 123.

The roadways tell an even starker tale. Interstate 70 dominates the list with 1,096 charges. Highway 160 comes in second with 227. Highway 50 follows with 149. Highway 40 and Highway 9 round out the leading group with 80 and 67 charges, respectively.

CSP investigated 117 speed-related crashes on the Western Slope between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day in 2025. Forty of those crashes caused injuries. That’s a significant injury rate for such a short window.

Major Dave Rollins, CSP’s District Four Commander, didn’t mince words when discussing the data. “Our data shows that speeding is a significant problem throughout the area,” Rollins stated. He noted that speed limits are set to protect motorists, wildlife, and property. “Reduce your speed and enjoy the scenery,” he added. It’s a simple instruction, but the data suggests locals aren’t listening closely enough.

The context extends beyond local roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently ranked Colorado in the top five states for fatal crashes involving aggressive or careless driving. A Lending Tree study updated on July 6 found that 288 out of 642 fatal crashes in Colorado involved these behaviors.

CSP Chief Matthew C. Packard acknowledged the volume of citations but argued that tickets alone won’t fix the culture on the road. “Despite over 42,000 speeding citations last year from our agency, troopers know that this behavior continues on Colorado roadways,” Packard stated.

He emphasized that enforcement is part of a larger effort involving families and neighbors. “We aren’t going to ‘ticket’ our way out of this ranking,” Packard said. “It’s a joint effort with loved ones to help aggressive drivers rethink their stance on speeding, tailgating, or other unsafe behaviors before troopers need to intervene and remind you.”

For Mesa County drivers, the practical takeaway is straightforward. The infrastructure exists to catch you — speed cameras and troopers are active on I-70, Hwy 50, and Hwy 160. The cost of a ticket is fixed, but the cost of an injury crash is much higher, both financially and personally.

CSP encourages motorists to report dangerous driving by calling *277 after pulling over or using a hands-free device. Drivers need to be ready with vehicle descriptions, license plates, location, direction of travel, and the specific unsafe behavior.

The data is clear. Mesa County has work to do if it wants to drop out of the leading group. The speed limits are there for a reason. It’s up to locals to respect them.