Icy Roads Cause Car Accidents Throughout Colorado

 Posted on October 17,2018 in Car Accident

On Wednesday, October 10th, 2018, a number of car accidents occurred throughout the state of Colorado. One accident involving a semi-truck occurred near Haswell, another collision happened outside of Lone Tree, and a third took place near Aspen Park. The one common denominator? All the accidents were at least partially caused by icy roadways. 

With winter arriving quickly, it is important to begin practicing appropriate winter driving habits. The Colorado State Patrol was vocal about the recklessness of many drivers, stating that some accidents were caused by “people traveling too fast for conditions.” If a member of your family is injured in a motor vehicle collision this winter, you should contact a personal injury attorney that will represent your best interests and help you pursue compensation from any negligent parties. 

Driving Safely in Colorado

In 2017, over 640 people were fatally injured while traveling on Colorado roadways. Studies conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CODOT) found that 35% of all fatalities occurred during winter months (November to March). 

Remaining safe on Colorado’s roadways during the winter is directly tied to the caution used by the driver. Drivers traveling at excessive speeds put themselves and others at risk of an accident. Drivers who choose to drive while distracted during winter months limit their reaction time, which is already diminished due to lowered visibility and decreased traction. 

Additionally, drivers who choose to disregard Colorado’s winter driving laws also put themselves in danger. Colorado has two primary winter driving laws: the Traction Law (Code 15) and the Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 16). During an active traction law, drivers must have a four-wheel drive vehicle, proper snow-tires, or tires with the mud/snow designation. A passenger vehicle chain law is only activated when a highway is dangerously close to closure, and drivers are required to equip their vehicle with snow chains for additional traction. Disregarding these laws can result in fines, while also risking serious injury. 

Meet With a Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney 

Driving during the winter can be a dangerous proposition. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our team of personal injury attorneys know how important the help of a legal support system can be in the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, schedule a free consultation with a Larimer County car accident attorney by calling us at 970-225-2190. 

Sources:

https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/TractionLaw

https://www.denverpost.com/2018/10/10/colorado-snow-road-conditions/

https://www.codot.gov/library/traffic/safety-crash-data/fatal-crash-data-city-county/2017-fatalities-by-region/at_download/file