What Led to a Dramatic Increase in Colorado Accident Fatalities?

More people died in Colorado motor vehicle accidents in 2021 than in any other year in nearly two decades. Statewide, the number of traffic deaths increased by 50% from 10 years ago. More than 672 people were killed on Colorado roadways last year. This is a tragic situation, as nearly all fatal car accidents are preventable.

What Driving Behavior Drove the Increase in Auto Accidents?

What Led to a Dramatic Increase in Colorado Accident FatalitiesOfficials attribute the rise in traffic deaths to lack of personal responsibility and dangerous driving behaviors, as stated by the Denver Post. Although the state’s population has grown in the last 20 years, it has not increased at the same rate as the number of traffic fatalities. accidents are believed to be:

  • Impaired driving
  • Excessive speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to wear seatbelts

At least 37% of traffic deaths in 2021 involved an impaired driver. The number of deaths caused by distracted drivers is not yet known. At least a third of the people killed in crashes were not wearing seatbelts.

Where in Colorado Did Most of These Fatal Accidents Occur?

The Colorado counties with the highest numbers of traffic crashes are among the most populous in the state. They include:

  • El Paso County
  • Adams County
  • Denver County
  • Jefferson County
  • Arapahoe County

However, the increase in fatal collisions was not seen only in urban areas. Most rural areas in the state also saw a rise in traffic deaths in 2021.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads Where Accidents Occur?

With heavy traffic condensed in the greater Denver metro area, Colorado has some dangerous roadways. Some of the most hazardous stretches in the state where more accidents occur include:

  • I-25: The most dangerous intersections in Colorado Springs are along I-25. This interstate runs for 12 miles through Colorado Springs and for nearly 300 miles through Colorado. It is also a hazardous stretch of road in Douglas County.
  • I-70 between Glenwood Canyon and the Eisenhower Tunnel: A fatal five-vehicle crash closed I-70 between Eisenhower Tunnel and Silverthorne in October 2021.
  • S. Highway 160: Fog and icy road conditions contributed to a four-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 160 west of Durango in November 2021.
  • S. 550 in the southwest and I-76 in the northeast: These highways are the frequent site of serious or fatal accidents.

What Groups Were Most Affected by Car Accident Fatalities?

For 2021, fatal traffic crash statistics are reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CO DOT). The following person types and age groups were killed in car accidents statewide:

  • 57 drivers ages 65 and older (8.3%)
  • 278 drivers under the age of 65 (40.5%)
  • 111 passengers (16.2%)

What Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident?

If you have been injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost earnings, and loss of future earning potential. Noneconomic damages are not as easily quantifiable in dollars and cents. Examples include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and mental anguish.

Our experienced Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can investigate your accident to determine fault and liability, assess the full extent of your losses, and vigorously pursue the full compensation you deserve. Founding attorney Timothy Bussey has been named among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and recognized by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as among the 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Client Satisfaction. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 for skilled legal representation in a car accident case.