Top Causes of Car Accidents in Denver, Colorado

Denver, the state capital of Colorado, is the Centennial State’s largest metropolitan city. Many Coloradans rely on Denver’s highways, including Interstate 25, which follows the north-south corridor through Colorado Springs and Denver. While there are numerous causes of car accidents in the Denver area, these incidents are often caused by the negligence of other drivers.

If you were injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Denver personal injury attorney. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our car accident lawyers can help you gather evidence to support your claim, prove liability, and recover fair compensation for your losses. Read on to learn the main reasons for car accidents in Denver, Colorado.

1. Impaired Driving

One of the leading causes of auto accidents in Colorado is impaired driving. Driving while impaired involves driving under the influence of any drug that affects your ability to drive safely. Even a small amount of alcohol can slow your reaction times, narrow your peripheral vision, and alter your cognition and judgment. In 2022, about 333 passenger vehicle drivers with BACs greater than or equal to 0.08% died in Colorado traffic crashes.

Drunk driving causes about 37 deaths every day across the US. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), 1 out of every 3 traffic deaths in Colorado involves impaired drivers. In 2023, there were 218 people who lost their lives in impaired driving accidents.

About 18% of drivers who were screened for drugs tested positive for more than one substance. The most common combination of drugs detected were alcohol and delta-9 THC, which is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. According to Colorado Crime Statistics, 16,540 DUI cases were filed in 2023.

2. Speeding

Speeding is a form of reckless driving that endangers the speeder and other road users. It is a leading cause of car accidents in the US, accounting for approximately 29% of car crashes every year. Deaths caused by speeding have surged in Colorado. Colorado had 287 speeding-related fatalities in 2020, a 20% increase from 2019. Over 40% of speeding-related crashes occurred on rural Colorado roads.

Speeding can also affect your safety if you drive at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, including inclement weather and poor lighting. Factors that often contribute to aggressive driving behaviors like speeding include heavy traffic, running late, the perception of anonymity, and disregard for others.

3. Aggressive Driving

Aggressive drivers are less likely to obey traffic signals, stop signs, and pedestrian crosswalks, endangering themselves and other motorists and pedestrians. If you encounter an aggressive driver, your best response is not to engage them but to report them to the authorities.

Law enforcement agencies in Colorado actively monitor and penalize aggressive driving, but it remains a persistent issue. The Colorado State Patrol’s Star CSP (*277) aggressive driver program was created in 1998 so road users could report aggressive driving behavior. In 2023, Colorado State Patrol emergency dispatchers answered 55,107 total CSP calls, with 54% related to aggressive driving behaviors or road rage.

Aggressive driving behaviors include:

• Speeding
• Honking in anger
• Tailgating
• Failing to yield
• Making angry gestures
• Showing a weapon
• Frequent and unnecessary lane changes
• Road rage

4. Distracted Driving

Did you know that people who text while driving are  23 times more likely to get into a car accident? Distracted driving can include engaging in activities such as texting, making a phone call, using GPS, or eating and drinking while behind the wheel. These distractions can lead to delayed reactions and poor decision-making, resulting in car accidents. It’s best to avoid distractions and to put your phone on silent until you arrive at your destination.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, more than 90% of Colorado drivers self-report driving distracted. In 2020, there were 10,166 crashes on Colorado roads caused by distracted driving.

5. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Maintaining a vehicle in good condition is crucial for safe driving, yet many accidents in Denver are caused by poor vehicle maintenance. When was the last time you had your vehicle serviced? In general, cars should be serviced every 12,000 miles or every 12 months to ensure they run as safely and efficiently as possible.

The varying weather conditions in Denver can also exacerbate vehicle wear and tear, making maintenance even more critical. Proper maintenance enhances safety and extends your car’s lifespan. A worn tire could burst at any moment. Issues such as worn-out tires, faulty brakes, and malfunctioning lights can drastically increase the likelihood of an accident.

6. Disregard for Traffic Laws

When drivers run red lights, fail to yield the right-of-way, and ignore speed limits, they can cause serious car accidents. All road users have a duty of care that involves adhering to traffic regulations. Violations of traffic laws significantly increase the risk of collisions. Red-light running is a deadly epidemic in Colorado. In 2017, 20 people were killed in accidents caused by red-light runners.

7. Bad Weather Conditions

During the winter months, snow and ice are very common across Colorado, especially in the high country and Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Adverse weather conditions reduce visibility, make roads slippery, and affect vehicle handling. Snow, ice, rain, and fog significantly impact road safety. Car accidents happen very often in rainy weather because water creates slippery and hazardous surfaces. Colorado experiences heavy rain and stormy weather during the Monsoon Season, which peaks in July and August.

While it’s not always possible to avoid rainy, snowy, or icy conditions, drivers must adjust their driving habits during adverse weather. During rainy and snowy conditions, reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights appropriately. Whenever possible, postpone your trip until the weather improves.

8. Poor Road Conditions

Another common cause of car crashes in Colorado is damaged roads. Traffic, weather conditions, and water can wear down the pavement and cause road hazards. Potholes and cracks in the asphalt make it difficult to drive on a road without putting yourself at risk.

If the city is negligent in fixing potholes or other road hazards, it may be liable. If you were in an accident involving a pothole, it’s important to take a picture of the damage to your vehicle and the pothole. When you encounter a damaged section of the road, slow down. Don’t try to swerve around the road damage or veer into an occupied lane. Drive slowly and maneuver around the damage with caution.

Colorado Auto Accident Statistics

• In 2022, there were 13 motor vehicle accident deaths per 100,000 people.
• Car accidents occur frequently in Colorado, and car accident fatalities have increased by 57% in the past 10 years. The Denver Post revealed that 745 people were killed in traffic accidents statewide in 2022. This is the highest number of traffic fatalities in Colorado since 1981.
• In 2022, there were 149 motorcyclists killed in motorcycle accidents across Colorado, representing 20% of the state’s traffic fatalities.
• According to Axios Denver, there were at least 424 reported accidents that involved serious injuries on city roads in 2023. According to city data, this is a 10% increase from the previous year.

Award-Winning Car Accident Attorneys in Denver

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, it’s crucial to consult with a Denver car accident attorney. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we specialize in car accident claims and maintain a 99% success rate. We understand that car accident victims deal with physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our dedicated legal team will protect your rights and guide you throughout your entire car accident claim. We will deal with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf and fight for fair compensation. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.

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