5 Common Colorado Accidents and How To Avoid Them
With over 70 million visitors each year, the number of Colorado accidents continues to climb. Some are more common (and avoidable) than others, so bringing awareness to the state’s hazards and risk factors helps prevent unnecessary accident injury.
It’s our goal to inform tourists and residents alike of the types of day-to-day occurrences that lead people to file a claim for personal injury or seek the best accident attorney. Here are five accidents in Denver Colorado and how you can avoid them.
1. Water
As the snow on the mountains melts each spring, it fills Colorado’s lakes and rivers. Fishing, boating, jet skiing, and kayaking are just some of the water-based activities many people enjoy. And we’re right there with them—the weather during the summer months is absolutely perfect for these things.
With so many people rushing to the water, however, boating and jet ski accidents in Colorado are prevalent. With experience as a boating accident lawyer, Zaner Harden Law has a few suggestions to reduce the risks.
How To Avoid Water-Based Colorado Accidents
- Be responsible with your drinking. If you’re operating a boat or jet ski, you should not consume alcohol as it impairs your judgment and lowers your reaction time.
- Drive defensively. Give other watercrafts plenty of space and assume they don’t see you. Be ready to get out of the way if needed.
- Carry a life jacket for everyone. Whether you’re on a pontoon or another type of water vehicle, make sure each passenger has a life vest in case there is an emergency or they can’t swim.
2. Construction
It doesn’t matter where you’re located; construction accidents can happen. The machinery that workers use to build roads and buildings makes these types of events even more dangerous.
A personal injury accident related to construction work can sometimes even be fatal for either the worker or bystander involved.
How to Avoid Construction-Related Injuries
- When driving, go slower than you need to and heed speed limit signs. It’s tempting to zip through construction zones going 40-65 MPH, but that puts everyone’s life in danger. Construction workers try to stay within the designated areas, but occasionally unexpected things happen. If you’re going the posted construction zone speed, you can more easily stop suddenly if needed.
- You can avoid a pedestrian accident if you are aware of your surroundings. If there is construction going on near commercial or residential areas, do your best to avoid the location. Take an alternate route if possible or walk on the other side of the street.
3. Roadways
In 2016, over 600 people were killed on the road in Colorado. Between out-of-state drivers, thousands of bicyclists, public transportation vehicles, motorcyclists, and semi trucks, vehicle accidents represent a huge portion of injuries and deaths in the state.
Good Colorado accident lawyers can help victims recover some of the costs from these incidents, but hopefully, they can be avoided altogether. These are some ways to reduce the risk of being involved in a fatality on the road.
How to Prevent Auto or Pedestrian Accidents
- Give public transportation vehicles extra room. Since they make lots of sudden stops, a bus accident can happen in a split second when another driver looks down to change the radio. Allowing extra space protects you and the passengers.
- Avoid distractions while driving. This means you should try not to fiddle with temperature settings, eat food, hold a pet, be on your smartphone, or do your makeup while moving.
- Similar to the strategy for boating, drive defensively on the road. Avoid hovering in other cars’ blind spots, anticipate dangerous situations, and have an “exit plan” at all times.
- Never drive impaired. Many people think that it’s just alcohol and other substances that you shouldn’t consume before driving. That is entirely true, but being tired can be just as dangerous as being drunk. You’re slower to react and more likely to nod off on the freeway. If you feel too drowsy, let someone else drive or wait until you can get some rest.
4. Winter
When the colder months come around, you know what that means—snow! Even for Colorado natives, driving when the roads are icy can be a huge challenge.
Heck, even pedestrians have to worry about slip and fall accidents (even though it’s just a bruised ego most of the time). Here is some advice for the snow-filled months.
How to Stay Safe During the Winter
- Slow down while driving. Black ice is a real (and invisible) danger that will send your car skidding, sliding, or rolling when you slam on the brakes. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, so speeding isn’t a temptation.
- Take it easy on your turns. If you’re pulling up to the desired cross street and realize you need to use evasive action to turn in time—just don’t. Make a safe U-turn when you can to avoid the imminent skid or wipeout.
- Pull over when you don’t have visibility. Even if you “know the roads like the back of your hand,” not everyone around you does. Either wait until a later time to drive or pull over and turn your lights off if you’re already on the road.
5. Cycling
One of the most popular ways to commute around Colorado is by bicycle. The beautiful weather, bike-friendly roads, and plentiful trails make it an optimal place to do so.
Unfortunately, that means the risk of getting in a bicycle accident is quite high without safety considerations.
How to Avoid Bicycle Injuries and Accidents
- Drivers should leave at least three feet between their vehicle and a bicyclist whenever passing. We highly recommend leaving a full car’s width (about six feet), so even if the rider falls off their bike, a catastrophe won’t happen.
- Bicycle riders should wear bright clothing, especially at night, to increase visibility.
When riding after dark, a flashing headlight and taillight are essential. Not only are the lights required by Colorado law, but they also reduce the chances of an accident by alerting drivers to your location and movements.
- Make sure your bicycle is equipped with reflectors.
- Use your head and protect it: never ride a bike without a helmet. The chances of surviving an accident without one are meager—keep yourself safe with a five-star helmet.
Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, not just here in Colorado. The best thing you can do is make yourself aware of any potential dangers and take reasonable precautions against them.
Whenever you find yourself dealing with an accident or personal injury, make sure to get counsel from qualified, experienced attorneys in Denver. The lawyers at Zaner Harden Law encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have.
We will help you resolve any accidents that occur in Colorado and get any compensation you deserve. Learn more at: www.zanerhardenlaw.com.
Contact our Denver Personal Injury Law Firm Today For Help
For more information please contact Zaner Harden Law, LLP to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
Zaner Harden Law, LLP
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
