What Are the Odds of Dying in a Car Crash in Colorado?

Most people go to great lengths to make sure that they are safe and protected and that they stay away from dangerous situations. Unfortunately, we are not always in control of our own safety. Other people’s behaviors can easily endanger our safety and even cause lethal harm.

Driving and riding in cars is one of the riskiest things that most people do on a daily basis. Car accidents happen all the time, and sometimes they are impossible to prevent. Though this is the case, however, there are ways that you can mitigate risk and put your mind at ease.

Colorado Car Crash Statistics

Fortunately, we have data that tells us just how likely it is to get into a lethal car accident. In 2019, about 5% of the Colorado population got into a car accident. This totaled 121,648 accidents in a single year. Of those car accidents, 596 people died. This means that only .5% of car accidents were lethal, less than 1%.

It may be further reassurance that 164 of the 2019 deaths were due to a drunk driver, 196 victims weren’t wearing a seatbelt, and 239 were speeding. Though this is not a foolproof system, you can reduce your risk of a lethal accident by following the speed limit, wearing your seatbelt, and abstaining from driving after you’ve been drinking.

Men are overwhelmingly more likely to get in a car accident than women in all age groups. The demographic most likely to get into a car accident is males between ages 35 and 54. The study did not reflect individuals in the middle of the gender spectrum.

Tips to Reduce Accident Risk

If you are especially worried about getting into an accident, you can minimize your risk by practicing safe driving. When you do your best to drive safely, you can rest assured that you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself, your passengers, and your family.

Don’t Get Distracted

Distracted driving is one of the top causes of accidents across the country. Many people believe that a single moment’s distraction won’t hurt anything. In reality, the situation on the road can change very quickly. It’s important to remain focused and alert at all times when you’re driving.

Major distractions on the road include:

• Texting or talking on the phone
• Adjusting the radio
• Moving your seat
• Attempting to find something you’ve dropped
• Eating
• Engaging with passengers in the backseat
• Watching the scenery

No matter how dull it may seem, it’s essential that you avoid all these distractions and focus only on the road. This ensures you have the maximum possible time to react if something happens.

Drive Sober

Though the legal blood alcohol content for driving is .07% and lower, it’s best to refrain from driving if you’ve had any alcohol at all. Alcohol affects everyone in different ways, and even if you are legally fine to drive, you may simply be unable to give driving the proper attention after you’ve been drinking. Arrange for a ride any time you plan on having alcohol, and don’t be afraid to take a ride home and go back to pick up your car the next day. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

It’s also important to remember that sober driving does not just pertain to alcohol. Drugs impede your ability to drive as well. Though marijuana is legal in Colorado, it’s illegal to drive after having any amount of cannabis. If you’ve used drugs, illegal or not, it’s essential that you do not drive a car.

Get Your Rest

Fatigued driving is a significant danger. When you’re tired, it takes longer for your brain to react to what’s going on. If something changes quickly on the road, you may not be able to properly react, which is how accidents occur. What’s more, it’s not unheard of for drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. You can crash into something while you’re asleep.

If you’re tired, consider getting a ride or staying home. If you must drive, give yourself frequent breaks, ingest caffeine, and drink plenty of water.

FAQs About Odds of Dying in a Car Crash in Colorado

How Many Deaths Are There From Car Accidents in Colorado Each Year?

According to preliminary data from 2021, there were 672 deaths on Colorado roads. This is the highest fatality rate since 2002. It’s important to remember that car accident deaths fluctuate from year to year. Ideally, the rate continues to diminish from one year to the next, but this isn’t always the case.

How Many Car Accidents Are There Per Year in Colorado?

The number of car accidents varies from year to year, as well. According to 2019 data, there were 121,648 accidents on Colorado roads. This does not reflect the accidents that were not reported to law enforcement or insurance companies. This does reflect small accidents such as fender benders. It’s important to remember that not all accidents are severe or deadly.

What Are the Odds of Dying in a Car Crash?

The national odds of dying in a car crash are 1 in 107. This is slightly less likely than dying in a fall and slightly more likely than dying from suicide. Though these may seem like startling odds, it’s important to remember that they’re not entirely out of your control. If you practice safe driving methods and try to be careful, you minimize your personal risk.

Who Is Most Likely to Get in a Car Crash?

According to Colorado statistics, men between 35 and 54 are most at risk for getting into a fatal car accident. However, young drivers and the elderly are also at risk of getting into car accidents. Elderly drivers also have an increased risk of going to the hospital for their injuries.

Overall, the people most likely to get in an accident are the drivers who are not careful.

Contact Cheney Galluzzi & Howard

When it comes to car accidents, no firm knows more than our team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard. We have been representing victims of car accidents for years to ensure that they get the compensation and support that they need. No matter your circumstances, we’re here to help.

For more information, contact our firm online.