Just as many Coloradans are dying in vehicle crashes despite a significant decrease in driving during the pandemic, the Colorado State Patrol said Thursday.

Compared to October 2019, just as many Coloradans have died in vehicle crashes through October 2020, according to CSP data.

This came as a surprise to officials because stay-at-home orders and virtual work have decreased traffic in recent months.

This has CSP worried as, historically, November, December and January bring the largest increases in fatal crashes throughout the state.

“Driving is a social function, without realizing it, we all rely on one another to follow traffic rules, including posted speed limits and choose to never drive impaired,” said CSP Chief Matthew Packard.

“It is important that we recognize dangerous driving behaviors in others, as well as ourselves, and make a change when our behaviors put lives at risk.”

So far in 2020, the leading causes of vehicle crashes are excessive speed, impaired driving and driving while distracted.

CSP encourages Coloradans to report dangerous and aggressive driving behaviors by calling *277.