By the start of December 2023, Colorado had seen nearly 94,000 traffic incidents, 644 of which resulted in fatalities, totaling 659. In 2023, there were 8170 recorded traffic incidents in Colorado Springs, with 50 associated fatalities.
The huge influx of traffic, combined with the unique geographical and infrastructure challenges of the region, has led to a concerning increase in car accidents across the state.
Distracted or impaired driving remains one of the biggest reasons for these accidents. However, there are several road design and navigational elements specific to Colorado Springs that pose significant risks to drivers, if not approached with caution and skill.
In this blog post, we will examine three of the most common causes of accidents in Colorado Springs—blind spots, merging zones, and roundabouts. We will try to provide practical strategies to help you stay safe on the roads.
Blind Spots
The winding roads and varied terrain of Colorado Springs create an abundance of blind spots for drivers. The city’s hilly landscape and narrow streets are lined with tall buildings or walls. These can obscure your line of sight, making it challenging to observe your surroundings properly.
This issue is further compounded by the presence of large vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, which can block the view of smaller cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Some of the notorious blind spot areas include the merge from northbound I-25 onto the westbound US-24 exit and the transition from northbound Nevada Avenue to eastbound Fillmore Street. Moreover, the sharp turn from southbound Cascade Avenue onto westbound Cimarron Street can be a nightmare to maneuver.
Navigating Colorado Springs’ blind spots requires heightened awareness and proactive measures. You must check your side and rearview mirrors and turn your head to scan their blind spots before initiating lane changes or merges. Moreover, maintain a safe following distance and be patient when changing lanes.
Merging Challenges
The city’s intricate network of highways, on-ramps, and off-ramps creates numerous merging zones that pose a constant challenge for drivers. The frequent interchanges and complex road design often require motorists to integrate their vehicles into fast-moving traffic. This task is made more difficult by the region’s mountain terrain and winding routes.
Improper merging etiquette, such as failing to yield to oncoming traffic or attempting to force one’s way into a lane, is a major contributor to accidents. The stress of navigating merging points during peak commute hours can lead drivers to make hasty, unsafe decisions.
You must be vigilant in checking your blind spots, signaling well in advance, and adjusting your speed to blend into the flow of traffic.
Anticipating the need to merge and leaving ample space for other vehicles to enter can help reduce the risk of collisions. Drivers should also allow others to merge when appropriate. This cooperative approach benefits the overall flow of traffic.
Roundabouts
One of the most prominent examples of a problematic roundabout in Colorado Springs is the intersection of North Academy Boulevard and Voyager Parkway. The tight curve of this roundabout can make it difficult for drivers to judge the flow of traffic and coordinate their entry into the circle.
Another roundabout that has proven troublesome for Colorado Springs residents is the one located at the intersection of Briargate Parkway and Lexington Drive. Here, the combination of a multi-lane roundabout and the presence of a nearby shopping center entrance creates a confusing environment. This leads to frequent accidents as drivers struggle to navigate the proper yielding and lane-changing procedures.
To traverse the growing number of roundabouts in Colorado Springs, drivers must stay alert and reduce their speed. Being cautious when exiting the roundabout is a crucial practice. You should also familiarize yourself with the specific layout and traffic patterns of each roundabout in the city, as the design can vary from one intersection to the next.
You may have the capacity to initiate legal proceedings if you have sustained long-lasting and severe injuries from a car collision in Colorado Springs. However, a car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs is the one who can help you in this pursuit.
The majority of them will listen to your case, evaluate it, and then proceed with it if you qualify to claim monetary compensation for it.
Importance of Legal Help
Springs Law Group asserts that collaboration with a personal injury attorney is mandatory if you qualify to file a lawsuit. They possess knowledge of the lawful processes and protocols to guarantee that you receive accurate guidance.
You will avoid unwarranted delays in receiving your compensation, which you can then apply toward compensating for the damages you’ve suffered. Also, attorneys can empathize with the emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the car accident and strive to secure compensation for that as well.
An accomplished personal injury attorney conducts a case by gathering and evaluating evidence. These include:
- Any pertinent medical documentation
- Medication receipts
- Photographs of the vehicle damage
- Images of your bruises
- Other pertinent healthcare data that supports your case
Your attorney will utilize every available piece of information to construct a persuasive claim that will expedite the process of obtaining just compensation.
Essential Safety Tactics for Colorado Springs Drivers
Defensive driving is your ultimate weapon against car accidents in Colorado Springs. While avoiding blind spots, merging zones, and roundabouts are crucial, here’s a toolkit to navigate the city’s unique challenges.
Left Lane Law Enforcement
Colorado Springs takes a zero-tolerance approach to left-lane law. Only use the left lane for passing slower vehicles, and promptly move right after completing your maneuver. Staying out of the left lane reduces your risk of getting rear-ended or causing frustration among other drivers.
Night-time Visibility Enhancement
As winter approaches and daylight shortens, ensure your headlights are sparkling clean and functioning optimally. A dirty or malfunctioning headlight can reduce your visibility, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
Additionally, remember to switch to low beams whenever you see oncoming traffic. This courtesy ensures everyone on the road sees clearly and avoids potential collisions.
Winter Weather Preparedness
Colorado Springs experiences significant snowfall. Don’t be caught off guard! Equip your car with winter tires or tire chains for improved traction on snow and ice.
Remember, stopping distances increase a lot in winter conditions. Adjust your speed and maintain a much larger following distance than usual. This allows for ample reaction time if the car in front of you pulls its brakes suddenly.
Focus on the Drive, Not Distractions
Colorado Springs boasts breathtaking mountain scenery. While it’s tempting to take in the views, remember that a distracted mind is a recipe for disaster. Minimize in-car distractions like phones, navigation systems, or loud music.
Keep your eyes focused on the road and your attention on the task of driving. A momentary lapse in focus could result in a serious accident.
Remember, safety is always the top priority. Colorado Springs may be a scenic city, but its roads can be treacherous. Understanding the unique challenges you’ll face, from blind spots to complex merging zones, is only the first step.
Beyond the practical considerations, cultivating a sense of awareness and courtesy goes a long way. Remember, everyone on the road is trying to reach a destination. Patience and a dash of empathy can make all the difference.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Daniel Washington. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on April 24, 2024.
Cover photo by unsplash.com.