One of the most common causes of car accidents in Colorado is speeding drivers. This is why the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently launched a statewide campaign designed to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding.
CDOT recently kicked off this educational campaign at Red Rocks Amphitheater, where the names of 257 Colorado residents killed in speed-related accidents in 2023 were displayed on individual seats in the famous theater.
“By showcasing the 257 lives lost at a beloved state landmark, CDOT hopes to spark a meaningful conversation about traffic safety and encourage drivers to slow down,” Sam Cole, CDOT communications manager, said in a statement published by Roads & Bridges.
Colorado speeding statistics
Speeding remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Colorado. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, the number of fatalities in the state due to speeding has increased nearly every year since 2013.
In 2023, there were 257 car accident fatalities in Colorado due to speeding. In contrast, there were 151 speeding-related deaths in the states in 2013. That’s an increase of 70 percent over the last decade.
How common are speed-related crashes in Colorado?
Motor vehicle accidents involving speeding are far more common in Colorado compared to the rest of the nation. In 2022, speeding was a factor in 29 percent of all car accident fatalities nationwide, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). In contrast, 38 percent of car accident deaths in Colorado in 2022 were due to speeding drivers, according to NHTSA accident data for that year.
On average, 70 percent of Colorado drivers recently admitted to speeding while driving some of the time on the state’s roads and highways, according to the CDOT’s 2023 Driver Behavior Report, which was discussed at the recent CDOT event about speeding.
“Driving at unsafe speeds not only compromises a driver's ability to maintain a safe lane position, but it also drastically reduces the time available to react to potential hazards,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, in a statement.
What makes speeding so dangerous?
There are two main reasons why speeding makes streets and highways unsafe for everyone on the road. First, the faster a vehicle is going, the more damage it causes. That’s because there’s more force when a speeding car crashes into another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist.
In addition, speeding increases the likelihood of crashes. This is because drivers have less time to slow down and avoid collisions. Speeding also leads to more severe injuries due to the increased power and force released in a crash.
Speed-related accidents can cause catastrophic injuries
When vehicles collide at high speeds, the results can be devastating, often leading to life-altering injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries caused by speed-related crashes:
- Brain injuries: High-speed impacts can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions, that may result in memory loss, cognitive impairment, or long-term neurological issues.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash is common in speed-related accidents, causing severe neck pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. In more serious cases, the damage can extend to nerve injuries that require long-term treatment.
- Back injuries: High-speed crashes can lead to spinal cord injuries, resulting in chronic pain, herniated discs, or, in severe cases, partial or full paralysis.
- Broken bones: The force of a high-speed collision can easily cause fractures in the arms, legs, or hips. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and long recovery periods.
- Internal injuries: Collisions can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver or lungs, which may not be immediately visible but are potentially life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Holding negligent drivers accountable
If you were hit by a speeding driver, you might think handling your car accident injury claim on your own is straightforward. Unfortunately, getting the compensation you truly deserve can be far more challenging than expected.
That’s why having an experienced attorney on your side is essential after a serious high-speed crash. At The Longo Firm, our Colorado Springs car accident lawyers know how to navigate the challenges of these cases and fight for maximum compensation. With years of experience and proven case results—including a $3.85 million recovery in a motor vehicle accident case—we’re ready to stand by you every step of the way.
When it comes to getting results, trust the Colorado Springs law firm that delivers. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer.
"I was involved in a vehicle accident, and sustained multiple injuries. With the assistance of Stephen and his team, they were able to collect full liability compensation for me. I appreciate their diligence in my case. Highly recommend Stephan Longo and team!" — Breana F.