April is Distracted Driving Awareness month
Distracted driving accidents involving trucks and other large commercial motor vehicles have risen dramatically in Colorado, with a shocking 236% increase in 2022.
The Colorado State Patrol investigated 600 serious injury or fatal crashes across the state that year where the at-fault driver was cited for inattentive driving. In 37 of those crashes, the driver was operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). This category includes motor vehicles like semi-trucks, box trucks, delivery vans, garbage trucks, flatbed trucks, cargo tankers, dump trucks, buses, and tractor-trailers, among other large vehicles.
Colorado State Patrol Captain John Hahn says this is a concerning trend for public safety officials and traffic safety advocates.
"The hazards of being distracted behind the wheel can - and many times do - lead to injuries and fatalities on our roads. When you enter a 40-ton vehicle into that equation, the results can be disastrous," Hahn said in a statement.
At The Longo Firm, we have seen a sharp rise in distracted driving accidents over the more than 14 years our legal team has served the community. We know the devastating impact this type of accident has on victims and families. That's why we are participating in National Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April. By sharing information about unfocused driving, we hope to help reduce the risk of distracted driving accidents.
Distracted driving is a reckless choice, which means this type of crash is preventable. We hold negligent drivers accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Colorado accident due to distracted driving, The Longo Firm can help. Contact us for a free evaluation to see how an experienced Colorado Springs accident attorney can fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
In the Colorado Springs area, distracted driving has been a persistent problem, with many drivers being cited for texting and driving or using their phones behind the wheel. However, distracted driving is not limited to mobile phone usage alone. Eating, drinking, or grooming while driving can also cause distractions that put drivers, passengers, and other road users in danger.
Distracted driving is dangerous because it takes attention away from the road. When attention is not on the road, there is a greater chance of missing important things like other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. This can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death.
There are three main types of distractions:
- Visual distractions take the eyes off the road, like looking at a phone or changing the radio.
- Manual distractions take the hands off the wheel, like eating or adjusting the air conditioning.
- Cognitive distractions take the mind off driving, like thinking about work or talking to a passenger.
Texting and driving is widely considered the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, impairing your ability to see, control the vehicle, and react to unexpected situations. It's a triple threat and a recipe for disaster. Remember, no text message is worth risking your safety and others on the road.
'Stay In Your Lane'
To address the issue of distracted driving and improve road safety, Colorado troopers launched a year-long campaign called "Stay in Your Lane." The goal is to remind people to control their lane position based on their current driving environment. This campaign also draws attention to three of the most common and avoidable behaviors contributing to lane violations - driving aggressively, driving distracted, or driving while impaired - the same three bad driving behaviors cited for the rise in deadly accidents.
In 2022, Colorado State Troopers made more than 12,650 traffic stops for lane violations.
The Stay In Your Lane message was reinforced recently when a Colorado State Patrol vehicle was sideswiped on US-85. The unmarked cruiser sustained moderate damage when a company box-truck driver, based out of Colorado Springs, veered from their lane and struck the car on the driver's side. No injuries were sustained in the accident.
"In this case, the driver wasn't paying attention to where he was headed," said Sgt. Troy Kessler, of the Colorado State Patrol. "He was looking at his GPS because he was unfamiliar with the area, and his truck moved into the adjacent lane. No road, weather, or other extenuating circumstance contributed to the crash."
Contact a Colorado distracted driving accident lawyer today
Distracted driving is a growing problem across the U.S. and in Colorado, with commercial motor vehicle accidents being a particularly concerning trend. Injured truck accident victims are frequently entitled to compensation for their crash-related medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and other losses.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a Colorado accident, contact The Longo Firm for a free case evaluation. At no cost to you, a member of our team can answer your questions, explain your potential legal options, and help you decide what to do next.
Don't hesitate to find out how an experienced Colorado Springs accident attorney can help. Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation today.