Staying Safe On Colorado Highways

Common Causes Of Auto Accidents

A car accident can be caused by several factors. These include:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Failing to yield
• Drowsy driving
• Vehicle defects
• Poor road conditions
• Poor weather conditions

High-Risk Highway Areas: Where Accidents Are Most Likely To Occur

There are some areas where accidents are more likely to happen in Denver. The first one is Interstate 25 (I-25), a major interstate highway. The high traffic volumes, especially during peak hours, contribute to the high accident rates reported. 

The I-70, a highway that connects the metropolitan areas of Grand Junction and Denver via a route through the Rocky Mountains, also reports a high number of Colorado highway accidents yearly. These accidents occur due to heavy traffic, sharp curves, steep grades, and heavy snowfall.

Another high-risk area is US Highway 36 (US 36), which passes through Denver. This highway is prone to car accidents because of heavy traffic. 

Drivers should also be more careful when on Highway 285, which stretches from Denver to New Mexico. This highway has elements that can increase the chances of accidents happening, including sharp turns, steep grades, and limited visibility. Furthermore, a significant percentage of drivers on Highway 285 are reported to exceed the speed limit, endangering other road users.

Examples of intersections with high accident rates in the city include:

• Colfax Avenue intersections with Downing Street, Kalamath Street, Speer Boulevard, Federal Boulevard, and North Lincoln Street
• Colorado Boulevard intersection with East Colfax Avenue
• Federal Boulevard intersections with Alameda Avenue and W. Florida Avenue
• West Alameda Avenue intersection with South Santa Fe Drive

These intersections all have high traffic volumes.

Traffic Plans To Improve Safety: What’s Being Done To Fix the Problem?

The city of Denver and the state of Colorado are implementing different measures to improve traffic safety. The first strategy is the renowned Vision Zero. The city has a mission to eliminate traffic fatalities through a system approach. The city is implementing different policies that prevent the inevitable mistakes made by road users that lead to deaths on Colorado roads.

The city is also advocating for the federal government to update vehicle design and safety standards to protect cyclists and pedestrians. Moreover, it’s shifting its focus to investing in a transit network to reduce the number of cars and trucks on the streets.

According to the Vision Zero plan, the city is advocating for the adoption of new street design guidelines to prevent cars from speeding. Denver also aims to redesign streets that are too wide (those designed like highways, encouraging high vehicular speeds) to make them people-friendly.

Vision Zero was introduced by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s administration in 2016, and it hopes to have achieved its goals by 2030. It has many policies and initiatives that are in operation, protecting Denver residents.

Denver has many other projects aimed at improving road safety. Examples include the viaduct rehabilitation project on 8th Avenue between Mariposa and Tejon Street, the 16th Street Mall Improvement project, and the Central Street Promenade project.

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Colorado State Patrol announced in February 2025 that they will be working together to reduce fatalities and serious injuries throughout the state by 22.5% by 2027. The departments will implement several programs and policies to achieve this goal.

How To Stay Safe On Colorado Highways

Road users can take certain measures to stay safe on Colorado highways. Here is what you can do:

1. Tires: Ensure your tires have proper air pressure and tread depth. Regularly check your tires to confirm they are in good condition.
2. Peak times: If you can avoid rush hours in the city, do so, as traffic jams increase the likelihood of crashes. If you can’t, be extra careful. Maintain a safe following distance, and pay attention to the road.
3. Avoid distractions: Any activity that takes your attention or eyes off the road or hands off the wheel puts you at risk. Thus, avoid using your cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio, and looking at billboards.
4. Use your signals: Use your indicators to communicate your intentions to other road users. Failing to use a turn signal when merging lanes or turning into a lane is dangerous.
5. Seat belts: Always buckle up to reduce the risk of serious injury or death when involved in an accident.
6. Be courteous: Being courteous when on the road can substantially reduce the chances of accidents. Yield to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, avoid speeding when a driver is trying to pass you, and respect all road users.

What To Do After An Accident On Colorado Highways

When you are involved in a car accident, you should first check for injuries. Make sure you and your passengers, if you have any, are okay. If you are injured, call 911 — do not move until medical help arrives to avoid worsening the injury.  

If you can safely move around, exchange information with the other driver. If not, ask someone to help you. You should also take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, and collect witness information and statements.

If the police respond to the accident scene, they will write a report whose copy you can access. However, if they don’t, yet the accident resulted in an injury, you are required to report it.

You can then file a claim against the other driver to be compensated by their insurance company. Our car accident lawyers can guide you on what to do to be fairly compensated.

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