It might seem like car accidents are an unavoidable part of life, but that isn’t always true. Aspects like distracted driving and choosing to stay under the legal alcohol limit can drastically increase your ability to remain wreck-free.
Around the country, the nation has a long list of most common accidents. Each state also includes reports on their own common wrecks, giving further insight into which issues states face the most. While both lists have a lot in common, there are a few differences. With that in mind, here’s how you can avoid the most common causes behind car accidents in Colorado.
The Rear-End Collision
From fender benders to more drastic scenarios, rear-end collisions are common here in The Centennial State as well as the rest of the country. Read more about accidents here. While you can’t stop someone from hitting into your rear bumper, you can prevent yourself from being the party at fault suggests Ankin Law Office.
The simplest method is to give yourself ample room between your car and the one in front of you. This allows for plenty of reaction time if the other driver abruptly hits the brakes. You should also eliminate distraction like texts, calls, and even eating.
The Side-Impact Collision
Also known as a T-bone, there are two main reasons for this accident. Either one car fails to follow the right of way or a driver fails to stop at a light or sign. Staying on top of your own driving skills here is simple, but you can also avoid reckless drivers with a few simple tricks.
First, never forget to look both ways at stop signs and lights. It never hurts to do a double take, either, even if you have the right of way. If you do find yourself in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence, hire a Denver car accident attorney immediately to get the compensation you deserve.
Snow and Ice
While Colorado can be just as sunny as San Francisco, it can also turn into a winter wonderland overnight. Roads sitting on higher elevations can also stay snowy into the summer months. Drivers here are no strangers to the dangers of snow and ice. Both, however, are sometimes out of your control. So, how can you prevent accidents caused by winter conditions?
The best thing you can do is slow down and give yourself extra space in-between other vehicles. It also helps to put winter tires on your car during those colder months. While there’s nothing you can do about black ice, having better tread works wonders in the snow.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Unfortunately, this state continues to have an issue with drunken drivers. Colorado isn’t alone, though. This is a persistent issue across the nation. Intoxication can lead to any form of accident due to slowed reaction times, blurred vision, and other effects from alcohol.
Keeping yourself and other drivers safe means sticking to the legal limit and refusing to drive drunk under any circumstances. That’s the only way to avoid being charged with DUI, as well. With the rise of ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, there are always options out there when you’ve had one or ten too many.