Car accidents are on the rise across the entire country, a fact that both confuses and annoys legislators, researchers, and vehicle manufacturers. As a whole, cars are much safer than they used to be. They have more sophisticated crumple zones, safety features that counteract some effects of human error, and driving features that limit human input. Despite the rapid improvement of safe driving technology, human error is enough to override these developments and leave a growing number of people injured. As a Colorado driver, it’s important that you understand what causes collisions in your area so you can avoid dangerous drivers. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Call Colorado Accident Attorneys at 303-567-7981 to set up a consultation with our team now.

While we talk about the role of human error in crashes, it’s important to note that there are crashes that do not involve driver error. In these cases, injured vehicle occupants may have to sue a third party for compensation. For example, a crash may be caused by a malfunctioning vehicle component, a poorly maintained road, or a repair done with unapproved parts. In these scenarios, the drivers are simply unlucky—not negligent.

Specific Actions That Lead to Collisions

The Colorado Department of Transportation maintains a complete database of every crash that happens on Colorado roads. The data they provide includes contributing factors from both drivers and outside sources, making it easy to figure out what went wrong and who’s to blame.

One category looks at specific driving actions that lead to a crash. One of the most common issues listed under this category is careless driving. While this is a fairly general term, it refers to a wide range of driver actions that show thoughtlessness and recklessness. Someone turning without a turn signal, ignoring speed limits, or driving without their lights on at night would be considered a careless driver. However, their data also covers more specific errors that lead to car collisions. Top causes of accidents in Colorado include:

• Failing to stop at a stop sign or stoplight
• Failing to yield right of way
• Following another vehicle too closely

These mistakes are consistent with the most common causes of collisions across the United States.

General Driver Behaviors and Circumstances That Cause Accidents

Another category of data on the 2022 table looks at a driver’s circumstances or general behaviors that contributed to accidents. Some of the most commonly reported issues include:

• Aggressive driving: The term “aggressive driving” covers everything from speeding excessively to road rage. It’s essentially an elevated form of reckless driving that involves intentionally putting others at risk.
• Fatigued driving: One issue that came up again and again in accident listings is fatigued driving. Drivers who were fatigued or asleep caused a shocking amount of collisions. This is a growing issue in the United States, due in large part to the growing pressure placed on people to hustle harder, work longer, and still be involved with their communities and families. Something has to give, and for too many, it’s sleep.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a common source of collisions in Colorado’s 2022 data. While there were multiple sources of distraction listed in the table, the most common was “electronic devices.” If you’ve ever driven past multiple vehicles and noticed that every single driver was glancing down at their phone, this is probably not a huge surprise to you.

What These Accident Triggers Mean for You

Knowing what causes crashes in Colorado can help you in multiple ways. First, it can help you watch out for drivers who are engaging in these behaviors and encourage you to put distance between you and them. Second, it can help you make better choices regarding your own driving. People tend to get complacent and comfortable with their driving and overestimate how much they can do while distracted or fatigued. Knowing what’s at stake may make it easier for you to put the phone down or delay your long drive until you’ve had a nap.

Injured in a Crash? Reach out to Colorado Accident Attorneys Now

Don’t wait any longer to find out if you are entitled to compensation after a Colorado car accident. Let the team at Colorado Accident Attorneys support you. Call us at 303-567-7981 or contact us online to set up a free consultation now.