What Causes Car Accident Incidence Rates to Spike?

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 2,282,015 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2020. Tens of thousands of people are killed every year, and millions more are injured in motor vehicle collisions. While several factors can contribute to a car accident, some common causes tend to crop up repeatedly.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from the primary task of driving, although the term is becoming increasingly synonymous with texting and driving. At least 10,166 crashes happened in Colorado in 2020 as a result of distracted driving. These collisions resulted in 1,476 people being injured and 68 fatalities.

When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for just a few seconds, they put themselves and others at risk. Whether texting, talking on the phone, or simply adjusting the radio, any activity that takes your attention away from driving can be dangerous.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that can lead to devastating consequences. When people get behind the wheel after drinking, their judgment, reaction time, and coordination are all impaired. This increases the risk of being involved in a traffic accident, resulting in property damage, injuries, or even death. In 2021, drunk driving in Colorado claimed 691 lives. A 44 percent increase in drunk driving fatalities has been noted since 2019.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common factors in car accidents, and it increases the risk of severe injury or death. When a driver travels at unsafe speeds, they are less able to control their vehicle, and they may have difficulty applying the brake in time if an obstacle suddenly appears on the road. In addition, speeding makes it more difficult to navigate turns and increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle altogether. Moreover, speeding creates longer stopping distances, which means that other drivers may not have time to react if a car ahead suddenly slows down or makes an unexpected stop.

Bad Weather

Bad weather is a major contributing factor to car accidents. Puddles of water on the road can splash up and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Water buildup on the roadways can also lead to hydroplaning, which is when a vehicle’s tires lose traction with the road.

Low visibility due to rain, snow, or fog can make it difficult for drivers to see what is ahead of them, leading to rear-end collisions. High winds can also cause vehicles to veer off course or even overturn. As a result, bad weather conditions are often cited as a contributing factor in car accidents.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (USDOT FHWA), around 21 percent of annual motor vehicle accidents are weather-related. This accounts for nearly 1,235,000 collisions.

Rain/Wet Conditions

• 1,416,437 collisions
• 537,041 people injured
• 6,523 people killed

Snow/Icy Conditions

• 562,182 collisions
• 138,735 people injured
• 1,705 people killed

Fog

• 25,451 collisions
• 8,902 people injured
• 464 people killed

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a serious safety issue on our roads today. The problem is compounded by the fact that many people do not realize how dangerous it is to drive while tired. They mistakenly believe they can keep going as long as they stay awake. In reality, fatigue impairs drivers in much the same way as alcohol does by slowing reaction times, reducing alertness, and causing lapses in judgment. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that almost 328,000 crashes occur annually due to fatigued driving.

Car Accident Attorneys in Denver, Colorado

At Boesen Law, our team of experienced car accident lawyers has a proven track record of success in obtaining the compensation our clients deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident can take on victims and their families, and we are dedicated to fighting for the maximum amount of compensation possible.

If you have been involved in a car accident, call us today at or fill out our form online.