Move the car
The driver should look for a safe way to drive the car out of the traffic and into a safe zone; otherwise, it may result in more accidents.
Colorado Car Crash Statistics
Colorado is ranked in the middle of the most dangerous states in the United States for motorists. Colorado had the 24th-highest number of fatalities resulting from traffic crashes in 2021. Though the state has a vast road infrastructure network, Colorado motorist safety is still a big concern.
The major cause of crash fatalities is harsh weather and rocky terrain along most of the state's major roads. With some of the longest highways passing through the Rocky Mountains, these routes are prone to poor visibility due to snow and fog, especially during the winter. The steep terrain, sharp corners, and rockslides also increase the likelihood of crashes along these highways.
Fatal Crashes
638
Deaths
691
Deaths per 100,000 population
11.9
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
1.28
Crash Types
691
Single-vehicle
350
Multiple-vehicle
341
Alcohol Involvement
325killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
293
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
104
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Number of Fatal Crashes
Number of Serious Injury Crashes
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Colorado
Certain Colorado highways and roads have a higher incidence of automobile accidents and fatalities. These are some of the state's most dangerous highways for motorists:
25
30 Fatalities/year
70
21 Fatalities/year
50
16 Fatalities/year
85
10 Fatalities/year
40
10 Fatalities/year
Key Car Crash Statistics in Colorado
- In 2022, Colorado had 754 deaths related to fatal car crashes. This was the highest number of crash fatalities for over four decades.
- 61 teenage drivers died in traffic crashes in 2023. This was a 53% increase in minor driver-related deaths in 2022.
- In 2022, the state had 286 fatalities resulting from impaired driving-related crashes. This was the highest number of deaths caused by impaired driving in the past four decades.
- In 2021, 232 individuals died while not wearing seat belts. In Colorado, seat belt use is rated at 86.3%, well below the national average of 90%.
- 111 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in 2022 in Colorado. This was the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the state, representing 15% of total traffic fatalities.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Colorado?
In the aftermath of a car accident in Colorado, taking prompt and informed action can protect lives and legal rights. This is a breakdown of essential steps to follow after a collision in Colorado:
1
2
Stay at the scene
Drivers must stay at the accident scene until they are told otherwise by law enforcement, or they share their details with the other people involved in the collision.
3
Turn on safety hazards and use traffic control devices
Drivers must switch on their hazard lights and use traffic control devices such as safety cones or flares to warn other drivers about the accident.
4
Contact law enforcement
Colorado law requires a driver to report an accident that has resulted in bodily injury, death, or property damage worth $1,000 within ten days.
5
Provide your information
Drivers must submit their name, address, car registration number, and insurance information after an accident. Drivers should also present their driver's license if police or other parties request it. If the driver does not own the vehicle, they must give the owner's name and address.
6
Notify your insurance carrier
Drivers should call their insurance company to file a claim for any damages or injuries during the traffic collision.
7
Maintain a record
Individuals should constantly retain records and documentation of accidents. These documents are essential in any legal proceedings concerning the collision.
Colorado Driving Laws and Facts
Colorado has comprehensive guidelines and regulations that ensure safe vehicle operations. These are some of the state traffic laws and facts:
Distracted Drivers Law
Drivers are prohibited from using phones to text, browse the internet, or use handling devices unless the vehicle is parked or has stopped moving. However, the state permits the use of regular cell phones for voice calls. Additionally, drivers can use headphones in one ear or other hands-free devices to answer calls.
Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any handheld device while driving, including making calls on their phones.
Regardless of age, drivers are exempted from this rule if they need to call or text during an emergency.
Seat Belt Laws
Drivers and all front-seat passengers must wear seat belts if a vehicle is operational on the street or highway.
Children aged 15 or younger must be secured in a car regardless of their seating position.
Drivers must secure children under eight in a child safety or booster seat. Furthermore, for children under 20 pounds, their seat must face the vehicle's rear.
Teenage Driving Laws
The legal driving age in the state is 15 years. Students must enroll in driving classes and pass both vision and written exams. They must have attended at least 30 hours of driving education courses and logged 50 hours of driving time.
The state does not allow minor drivers to carry any passenger under 21 who is not a family member until they have held their license for six months.
Minor drivers shall only carry one passenger under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member.
Teenage drivers are prohibited from driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless they are accompanied by an individual who is 21 years or older and has a valid driving license.
Driving Under the
Influence
The state prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle while they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than .08% will face a DUI charge.
The state prohibits minor drivers under 21 from driving if their BAC is at least .02% at the time of driving.
Drivers with higher than five nanograms of delta-9 THC (the active substance in marijuana) per milliliter of blood operating vehicles can also be charged with a DUI.
Move Over Laws
In Colorado, drivers must move lanes if they find a stationary police or emergency vehicle with warning lights turned on. Furthermore, drivers have to move over for other cars on the side of the road, especially if they are broken down.
If the driver cannot change lanes, they must slow down to at least 20 mph below the speed limit as they approach a stationary emergency vehicle or broken-down cars and wait for other lanes to clear.
Using Vehicle
Mirrors
The state prohibits individuals from driving on the road unless they have a clear and unobstructed view through any required glass and mirrors in the vehicle.
Car Insurance
The state demands that all motor vehicles have valid minimum liability insurance coverage while on the road.
Drivers should always present proof of insurance when asked by police in case of a traffic accident.
Coasting Downhill
Drivers shall not coast downhill with the car’s transmission set in neutral. Additionally, trucks and buses should not coast downhill with the clutch disengaged.
Colorado Weird Traffic Laws
While many traffic regulations maintain consistency across state lines, Colorado has several unique laws and regulations. These are some of the weird laws present in Colorado.
- Wearing headphones
Though wearing headphones is not prohibited, drivers are only allowed to wear one earpiece. Wearing both earpieces while driving is against the law. - Slow cars merging
Merging vehicles must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming cars. Furthermore, drivers should avoid merging into traffic if it means the other vehicle needs to slow down. - One-way roads on steep terrain
When two cars meet on a steep one-way road, the vehicle going downhill must yield the right of way to the car going uphill. - Moving over for broken-down cars
Unlike other states that only require drivers to move over lanes for emergency cars, Colorado also protects private vehicles on the roadside. - Leave a note
Drivers must stay at the traffic accident scene and share their information with other individuals involved. If the owner of the damaged property is not around, you must leave a note with your information and contact details on or in their car or property.