- Many fatal car accidents in Colorado that are caused by distracted driving could have been prevented
- Alcohol use and failure to wear a seatbelt may be other contributing factors in some fatal accidents
- Drivers can follow basic safety tips regularly to reduce the likelihood of being in an accident
Car accidents in Colorado are unfortunately common, and many of these devastating events are caused by factors that could be minimized or avoided altogether.
For example, in late July 2017, a man driving a truck crossed a grassy median and hit an oncoming car head-on. Both drivers were killed, and several other people were injured.
There is no indication that the driver attempted to divert his vehicle or slow down before the collision, but there were signs in the vehicle that indicate he may have been intoxicated at the time.
There are two primary forms of fatal accidents, and these are eventual death events and sudden death fatal events. Both can create incredibly tragic losses for all involved and may create significant expenses.
With a sudden death car accident, one or more individuals involved in the accident dies at the scene.
An eventual death car accident occurs when one or more individuals pass away from injuries hours, days, or even weeks later as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. This type of event can lead to expensive medical bills related to hospitalization, surgeries, ambulance transportation, and more.
If you’re worried about getting involved in a car accident, enter your ZIP code above to ensure that you and your car are fully covered!
Distracted Driving in Colorado
In the United States, approximately one out of every ten accidents is caused by distracted driving, and these types of accidents are entirely preventable.
Drivers should be aware that there are three primary forms of distraction, and each can have disastrous or deadly consequences. The three types of distractions while driving are:
- Visual
- Manual
- Cognitive
When a driver takes their eyes off of the road, such as to read a text message, the driver is affected by a visual distraction.
A manual distraction, on the other hand, pulls one or both of the driver’s hands off of the steering wheel for even a short period, such as if the driver is smoking a cigarette.
A cognitive distraction describes when drivers are not mentally focusing on the road, such as if they are involved in a heated conversation with someone on the phone or in the vehicle with them.
You should be aware that some distractions fall into multiple categories. For example, sending a text message may require the use of your hands, the attention of your eyes, and your cognitive attention.
— Distracted Driving in Colorado
In 2016, there were 605 traffic fatalities throughout the state.
Colorado law enforcement officials cite the increased distractions that drivers face as well as the fact that some people are not wearing seatbelts as prime reasons why this number increased from 547 deaths in 2015.
These types of deaths can be prevented when drivers take the extra effort to decrease distractions and buckle up.
Some vehicles in Colorado are involved in considerable more fatal car accidents than others. While this may be contributed to the prevalence of more popular brands, it may also relate to the safety ratings or safety features for different vehicles.
Remember that accident statistics for your type of vehicle are reviewed when you request an insurance quote.
Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in Colorado
(Click here for interactive graph)
#10 – Volvo
Established: 1927
Vehicles Involved: 15
Volvo is a popular Swedish car company that was established in 1927, and it features a full line of personal and commercial vehicles. These vehicles range from heavy-duty commercial trucks and buses to sophisticated sedans, SUVs, and more.
The consumer market often equates the Volvo brand with understated luxury and safety. A few of the top models produced by Volvo today are:
- The XC60
- The XC90
- The V90
- The S90 and others
#9 – GMC
Established: 1911
Vehicles Involved: 25
GMC is an American automobile manufacturer based in Detroit, but it sells its quality products worldwide. It manufactures buses, vans, and even military utility vehicles that are used in the commercial sector.
In the consumer sector, GMC is most well-known for creating high-quality, durable trucks as well as higher-end SUVs. Some of its models include:
- The Yukon
- The Envoy
- The Acadia
- The Canyon and several others
#8 – Subaru
Established: 1953
Vehicles Involved: 26
Subaru is not the largest automotive manufacturer based in Japan, but it nonetheless has worked hard over the course of the last few decades to expand its reach in the market and to develop a brand that is now known for reliability and quality.
In fact, by 2012, Subaru was the 22nd largest automaker in the world, and it continues to gain popularity with consumers in countries around the world.
Its consumer vehicles mainly consist of wagons, SUVs, and smaller cars. A few of its top models available for sale currently are the Outback, the Forester, the Impreza, and the Legacy.
#7 – Datsun/Nissan
Established: 1933
Vehicles Involved: 27
Nissan is the world’s fourth largest automaker, and it is the top brand in highly populated countries like Mexico, Russia, and China. In addition to selling vehicles under the Nissan brand, it also sells vehicles under the Datsun, Infiniti, and Renault brands.
The Nissan Leaf was listed as a top-selling electric vehicle for 2016, but the automaker also makes gas-powered vehicles to appeal to a wider target audience, such as the Altima, the Maxima, the Rogue, the Titan, and more.
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#6 – Jeep/Kaiser-Jeep/Willys-Jeep
Established: 1941
Vehicles Involved: 35
Jeep was originally founded at the beginning of World War II with a mission to provide quality utility vehicles to the military. During the post-war period, it turned its focus on the consumer market and quickly gained popularity with consumers who were looking for a rugged, durable vehicle with a unique look.
The sophistication of Jeep vehicles has been refined over the years, and many consumers have remained loyal to the brand as it transformed its image.
While it continues to offer the Wrangler, it also offers its consumers the Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee, the Liberty, the Compass, and a few other models.
#5 – Honda
Established: 1946
Vehicles Involved: 53
Honda is another well-known Japanese automaker that ranks as the eighth largest in the world, and it also sells vehicles under the elite Acura brand. This automaker offers a diverse range of products, such as lawnmowers and yard maintenance equipment, planes, motorcycles, and more.
Its vehicles have a reputation for being stylish and practical, and many of its models are available in a hybrid form to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. A few models manufactured by Honda include:
- The Civic
- The Accord
- The Insight
- The CR-V, etc.
#4 – Dodge
Established: 1900
Vehicles Involved: 54
Dodge is one of the world’s oldest automotive manufacturers, and its stylish vehicles appeal to consumers around the world.
It makes both affordable and more high-end vehicles, including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, trucks, and mini vans, and many consumers equate the Dodge brand to quality.
The Ram, the Viper, the Durango, the Challenger, and the Charger are some of the more popular vehicles made by Dodge today.
#3 – Toyota
Established: 1937
Vehicles Involved: 61
Toyota is the largest automotive manufacturer in the world and is headquartered in Japan. It currently produces more than 10 million vehicles per year and sells its products worldwide.
Toyota owns the Lexus and Scion brands as well. Under the Toyota label, this company produces the Camry, the Corolla, the Prius, the Tundra, and several others. While the brand is known for value, it also is known for cutting edge innovation.
#2 – Chevrolet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWj_jnj61o8
Established: 1911
Vehicles Involved: 91
Chevrolet was founded in 1911 in Detroit and quickly became a direct competitor of the established Ford and Dodge brands. While it sells vehicles worldwide, its North American vehicles include trucks, SUVs, mini vans, and cars.
Its Silverado truck is one of its best-selling vehicles, but this automaker is also known for the Camaro, the Suburban, the Tahoe, and several other models.
#1 – Ford
Established: 1903
Vehicles Involved: 96
Ford is well-known for introducing assembly line production methods when bringing the Model T to market, and this process helped to catapult Ford into the spotlight in the industry early on.
With its devotion to innovating compelling new vehicles that appeal to the everyday buyer, it has retained considerable popularity in today’s market.
A few of the more popular Ford models that you can find available for purchase today are the Mustang, the F-150, the Taurus, the Fiesta, the Focus, and more. Ford also owns the Lincoln and Motorcraft brands.
Tips to Avoid Fatal Car Accidents in Colorado
The safety rating of vehicles as well as the safety features in different models should be considered when you buy a new vehicle, and a safer vehicle may help you to avoid some accidents or reduce their severity.
However, many car accidents are caused by a driver’s actions or inactions, which means that you may be able to avoid a fatal car accident in Colorado when you follow a few helpful safety tips. These safety tips include:
- Pay attention to posted speed limit signs, and avoid speeding at all times. When you are driving in construction zones or school zones, reduce your speed accordingly.
- Reduce your speed when driving at night or in bad weather conditions. Always ensure that your headlights are on in these conditions.
- Be observant of other drivers, cyclists, and others on the road. Adopt defensive driving strategies to avoid a collision or mishap.
- Leave at least two car lengths between you and the car in front of you. By not tailgating, you are giving yourself more time to react to the driver in front of you.
- Ensure that everyone in your vehicle is properly secured by a seatbelt. Babies and young children should be in a car seat.
- Be very observant when driving in unfamiliar areas. Factors such as lanes merging together or stop signs may develop seemingly out of the blue.
- Understand what driving distractions are, and eliminate them from your driving behavior. For example, do not eat, smoke, or use a cell phone while driving. Take steps to prevent distractions while driving, such as placing your cell phone out of reach.
- Monitor traffic conditions before you leave, and allow yourself plenty of time to get to your desired location without having to rush or drive aggressively.
- Pay attention to your emotional state. If you are upset or anxious, spend a few minutes calming down before you get behind the wheel.
Comparison Shop for the Right Coverage
Driving a safe vehicle and adopting better driving habits may dramatically reduce the number of incidents that you are involved in over the years.
After all, practicing safe driving habits is an alternative to being involved in serious and costly accidents, and the tips listed above are easy for most drivers to follow.
Because accidents may still occur and because it is required by law, you still need to purchase an effective insurance policy.
Determine your minimum coverage needs by learning about the state requirements and your lender’s requirements, and request affordable quotes from a few leading companies.
You may need to purchase liability insurance as well as collision or comprehensive insurance for the most effective coverage.
Remember that car insurance rates in Colorado can change periodically, so you may want to shop for new insurance rates every few months.
Looking for a change with your auto insurance? Start comparison shopping today by entering your ZIP code below!