In 2022, Colorado experienced a record number of traffic fatalities with 745 deaths, which was the most since 1981. This means every day last year, at least two people died from traffic-related incidents.
Any time you head out on the road, there is a possibility of getting into a car crash that leaves you injured or dead, either by your own fault or the negligence of another driver.
To best protect yourself from serious injuries, or worse, death, you need to understand the main types of car accidents that occur and some smart driving tips to avoid them, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Rear End Collisions
On busy Colorado roads, rear-end collisions happen every day. Add in icy and snowy weather conditions, and the risk of rear-end crashes goes up even further.
While rear-end crashes can be seemingly minor, drivers can still be left with long-lasting injuries like whiplash, back pain, shoulder pain, spinal injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries as a result.
Luckily, these types of accidents are highly avoidable, whether you’re the driver in front who gets rear-ended or the one who hits the car in front of you. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind to avoid a rear-end collision:
- Maintain a healthy distance: Don’t trail too closely behind the cars in front of you, especially in inclement weather. Keep a three-second distance between yourself and the next car so you have ample time to stop, and adjust the timing as needed for poor road conditions.
- Avoid slamming your brakes: If possible, don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to slam on your brakes last minute, which could cause a rear-end collision with the driver behind you.
- Don’t be distracted: Distracted driving caused by texting, eating, or other distractions can cause you to rear-end the vehicle in front of you if you’re not paying attention.
- Don’t drive tired or under the influence: Drowsy driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or marijuana could slow down your reaction times and lead you to crash into the car ahead of you.
Cross-Traffic Crashes
In most instances, a cross-traffic or T-bone accident occurs at intersections when a driver misses a stop sign or turn signal or makes a driving error that ends in a collision. These are common, though can be more devastating than a rear-end collision.
Because the cause of a T-bone crash is often distracted or reckless driving, there are a few defensive driving techniques to avoid such a crash:
- Pause at traffic lights: When a traffic light turns green, pause for a moment to ensure no one is rushing through the red light or missed the changing signal.
- Don’t accelerate at yellow lights: Don’t speed up to make it through a yellow light before it turns red to follow safe driving practices.
- Be cautious on left turns: When you need to make a left turn, make sure you fully yield to oncoming traffic and wait for the right opportunity to avoid any T-bone accident cases.
Single Vehicle Wrecks
A single-vehicle crash can occur for a multitude of reasons. This can involve a driver crashing into debris on the road, traffic barriers, or animals, having a rollover accident, or driving off the road. The good news is that you are mostly in control of preventing such single-vehicle accidents from occurring:
- Drive cautiously in icy conditions: If it has recently snowed or the roadways are icy, be extra cautious while you drive and adjust your speed accordingly to maintain your control.
- Be attentive: Distracted driving can lead you to run off the road or collide with a stationary object, so make sure you’re always paying attention while driving, even if you’re the only car on the road.
- Drive the speed limit: Avoid driving over the speed limit or any other reckless driving habits, which allows you to respond more precisely to objects in the road or changing road conditions.
Backing Up
Backing out of your driveway or parking space can create the potential for a collision, and you’ll often be deemed at fault if you’re the driver going in reverse. Most of the time you will be going at a low speed while backing up, though this can still leave you with damage to your vehicle and that of the other driver. Plus, depending on how fast the other driver is passing by, this type of collision could lead to serious injuries or worse.
To avoid a car collision from backing up, follow these helpful tips:
- Avoid backing out: If possible, park your vehicle in a way that you won’t have to back out into traffic when you leave.
- Use a backup camera: If your vehicle has one installed, use the backup camera as a tool to safely back up. Consider installing a camera if you don’t already have one.
- Back up slowly: When backing up, drive slowly to give you time to assess the traffic around you and respond accordingly.
Injured in a Car Crash? Contact Sandene Law
Even if you do all you can and use safe driving practices, car crashes are always possible.
If you’re looking for a car accident lawyer to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve after being injured in a car crash, Sandene Law may be able to help.
Car accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights after a car crash and provide personalized legal advice for how to best proceed in your circumstances. If you were injured and faced costly vehicle damages, medical bills, or lost wages as a result of another driver’s negligence, contact Sandene Law for your free consultation today.
FAQ’s
What were the specific contributing factors to the increase in traffic fatalities in Colorado in 2022 compared to previous years?
The specific contributing factors to the increase in traffic fatalities in Colorado in 2022 compared to previous years could include a variety of factors such as increased traffic volume, changes in driving behavior (such as speeding or distracted driving), road conditions, weather patterns, and possibly even shifts in enforcement or safety initiatives.
Are there any specific demographics or regions within Colorado that experienced a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities?
Demographics and regions within Colorado that experienced a disproportionate number of traffic fatalities could vary depending on various factors such as population density, infrastructure, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation options. Analyzing data on these factors could provide insights into any disparities in traffic fatality rates.
How effective are the mentioned defensive driving techniques in reducing the occurrence of T-bone accidents at intersections?
The effectiveness of defensive driving techniques in reducing the occurrence of T-bone accidents at intersections depends on various factors such as driver adherence to the techniques, road design, traffic flow, and visibility. Evaluating accident data before and after the implementation of these techniques could help assess their impact.
What are some additional measures or technologies that could be implemented to further reduce the risk of single-vehicle accidents?
Additional measures or technologies that could be implemented to further reduce the risk of single-vehicle accidents may include improved road signage and markings, enhanced road maintenance to minimize hazards, increased public awareness campaigns about the dangers of distracted or impaired driving, and advancements in vehicle safety features such as collision avoidance systems.
Are there any legislative or policy changes proposed or enacted in response to the increase in traffic fatalities in Colorado?
Legislative or policy changes proposed or enacted in response to the increase in traffic fatalities in Colorado could include initiatives aimed at improving road safety, increasing penalties for traffic violations, implementing stricter enforcement measures, investing in infrastructure improvements, and promoting public education campaigns on safe driving practices. Evaluating the effectiveness of such measures over time through data analysis and public feedback could inform future policy decisions.
