Speeding is a leading cause of fatal car accidents.
Speeding is aggressive and reckless driving behavior that endangers everyone on the road. Drivers who speed break the law and put themselves and others at risk of getting into severe car accidents. Speeding has become a consistent problem in Colorado, so much so that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched a new safety campaign urging drivers not to exceed the speed limit.
The CDOT, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Springs Police Department, and El Paso County Sheriff's Office are all gathering to combat the speeding problem. The visual series campaign is to remind drivers that there is never an excuse to speed.
"There is no excuse that can justify the loss of a life due to speeding," CDOT Highway Safety Manager Glenn Davis said. "Speeding is a leading cause of traffic fatalities on our roads, yet, entirely preventable. Speed limits exist to protect everyone on the road."
Colorado speeding statistics
Here are key takeaways from crash data compiled by CDOT:
- There were 287 speeding-related deaths in 2020, representing a 20 percent increase over the previous year.
- Almost half of all roadway fatalities involved speeding.
- More than 40 percent of speeding-related accidents happened on rural roads.
- About 37 percent of speeding-related crashes occurred on urban interstates.
Looking at each specific county, here are the five Colorado counties with the most speeding-related deaths in 2020:
- El Paso – 40 fatalities (this is a 43 percent increase from the previous year when there were only 28 deaths)
- Adams - 25 fatalities
- Arapahoe - 25 fatalities
- Jefferson -24 fatalities
- Weld – 21 fatalities
Although law enforcement works hard to keep communities safe and prevent speeding, your safety still primarily lies in the hands of other drivers. Remember that it only takes one negligent driver to cause a high-speed crash that results in severe injury or death.
Tips for avoiding speeders
Although you may abide by the speed limit, others may not. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers the following tips when encountering a speeding driver:
- If you are in the far left lane and see a speeding car that wants to pass you, switch lanes and let them pass.
- If you are close to a speeding driver, give them space. Drivers who speed can quickly lose control of their vehicle, so if that occurs, you want to be farther away from them.
- If you're being tailgated by a speeding driver or that driver is being aggressive, let them pass.
Speeding is reckless driving behavior that is preventable. But unfortunately, far too many people are severely injured or die in car accidents caused by speeders. Crash victims have the right to seek compensation for their losses, but the process is complex, and insurance companies care more about protecting their profits than making you whole again. That's why if a speeding driver hits you, it's in your interest to review your legal rights and options with an experienced car accident attorney.
We hold speeders accountable.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, you have recourse through the civil justice system—and our law firm can guide you through the process from start to finish. At The Longo Firm, LLC, we have the knowledge, courtroom experience, and resources to aggressively advocate for your best interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Attorney Stephen Longo has obtained multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for his clients and understands what it takes to build a winning case in Colorado. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Colorado Springs car accident lawyer.