Colorado has officially changed the language used in state transportation law. Here’s what HB 26-1237 means, and why the words we use after a traffic crash matter.
House Bill 26-1237, the Transportation Safety Modifications Act, is now law. Signed by Gov. Jared Polis on May 5, 2026, the law took effect August 12, 2026. Among several transportation-safety changes, it updates Colorado statutes to use the terms “crash” or “incident” instead of the word “accident.”
For organizations like No DUI NoCo, this change is more than a vocabulary update. The words we use shape the way we think about traffic safety, impaired driving and accountability.
What changed under Colorado HB 26-1237?
HB 26-1237 updates references throughout Colorado law involving vehicle and traffic collisions.
The law now uses “crash” or “incident” in place of the word “accident” in specified statutes. It also defines a “crash” broadly to include events involving motor vehicles, vulnerable road users and other transportation devices.
A traffic crash isn’t always an accident. A crash can result from a deliberate choice, such as driving after drinking alcohol, driving while impaired by drugs, speeding, distracted driving or other dangerous behavior.
Calling every collision an “accident” can unintentionally suggest that nobody was responsible and that nothing could have been done to prevent it.
What does this mean for Colorado drivers?
This law does not change roadway regulations for Coloradans. Rather, it reminds Colorado drivers that many crashes and fatalities are preventable.
If you’ve been drinking or using a substance that can impair your ability to drive, don’t drive. Make a plan before you need one:
- Designate a sober driver.
- Use a rideshare or taxi.
- Ask a sober friend or family member for a ride.
- Use public transportation when available.
- If you’re hosting, help your guests find a safe way home.
- If you see someone who may be about to drive impaired, make the call and help prevent a crash before it happens.
Why No DUI NoCo supports this change
At No DUI NoCo, our mission is to help prevent impaired driving before someone is injured or killed.
That means talking about choices, consequences and prevention, not just penalties after the fact.
Words like crash and incident can help shift the conversation away from the idea that traffic deaths and serious injuries are simply unfortunate things that happen.
Many are preventable.
When someone chooses to drive impaired, that decision can have devastating consequences for passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and entire families. Using more accurate language helps us have more accurate conversations about responsibility and prevention.
Protect yourself. Protect others. Make the call.
No DUI NoCo is committed to preventing impaired driving and riding across our Northern Colorado communities – because one bad decision shouldn’t define your life.
No DUI NoCo is a regional coalition working to end impaired driving in Northern Colorado through education, outreach, and community partnerships.
Follow No DUI NoCo on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more ways you can combat impaired driving in our community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is HB 26-1237?
HB 26-1237 is Colorado’s Transportation Safety Modifications Act, a 2026 law that makes several changes to transportation and traffic statutes, including updating statutory language around vehicle and traffic collisions.
Is HB 26-1237 a new DUI law?
No. The law does not establish a new DUI offense. Its transportation-safety provisions include changes to collision terminology, bike-lane parking, highway obstructions and traction-device requirements.
Does Colorado now use the word “crash” instead of “accident”?
HB 26-1237 updates specified statutory references to use “crash” or “incident” in addition to or in place of “accident.” It also establishes a statutory definition of “crash.”
When did HB 26-1237 take effect?
The law’s effective date was August 12, 2026.
Why is No DUI NoCo talking about this law?
Because changing the way we talk about traffic crashes can help change the way we think about traffic safety. When impaired driving contributes to a crash, recognizing the role of that behavior is an important part of prevention.
