Although fall weather means cooler days, there are possibilities of rain and mist too. While most don’t realize, rain can be one of the most dangerous hazards for a vehicle than snow and ice. It is alarming to note that nearly 8,500 people die in Colorado every year due to traffic accidents related to weather. Colorado is one of the states where snow and rain lead to the highest number of road crashes.
With the onset of winter, chances of road accidents spike up in Colorado. Winter is accompanied by mist, ice, snow, rain, and sleet, which all play a part in making roads slippery. Amidst such hazardous weather conditions, drivers very easily lose control of their driving wheels and become victims of severe car accidents.
But before you seek auto body repair in Denver, let’s study the weather conditions and their impact in detail.
Dangers of driving in Colorado during winter
Though the Colorado Department of Transportation has released a few safe driving tips for Colorado drivers, yet it seems road accidents are unavoidable in this state. Here are the most common weather conditions that lead to accidents in Colorado. ü Rain: Rain affects your visibility and makes roads slippery. If you press the brake hardly during such road conditions, this can make you lose control over your car.
- Rain: Rain affects your visibility and makes roads slippery. If you press the brake hardly during such road conditions, this can make you lose control over your car.
- Icy Roads: Icy roads are also a dangerous hazard to drivers who cause accidents during winter. It is often impossible to detect black ice, which leads to skidding off the car.
- Sleet and snow: Cold weather and snow can lead to damaged car parts at traffic signals. Such snowy road conditions can lead to major fatal car accidents.
- Fog: Fog also minimizes winter visibility, so you can switch on your high beam during winter to boost visibility.
Bad weather accidents in Colorado – What are the potential causes?
When driving in poor weather conditions in Colorado, any driver can meet with a road crash. Here are the most common reasons behind these accidents.
- Over-speeding: Even when you drive in normal weather conditions, over-speeding a bad idea. The stakes are significantly higher when temperatures are lower, and roads are filled with black ice.
- Traffic rule violation: Regardless of the road condition, violation of traffic rules will always lead to accidents. Hence not setting limits on traffic speeds and breaking turn-taking rules can end up in fatal crashes.
- Snow tires: If you belong to an immensely snowy place, you need to use snow tires to boost your car’s traction. This can lead to skidding even on a wet road if you don’t.
- Absent-minded driving: A absent-minded driver is even worse than a drunk driver in terms of control and concentration. Moreover, if a driver chooses to do distracted driving during winter, they can lose control over their vehicle due to faulty reaction time.
Steps to take soon after a road accident in Colorado
Once you meet with an accident due to bad weather, here are the immediate steps to take to ensure your safety.
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident and gather all proof.
- Check yourself with a doctor, note down your injuries, keep a document of your diagnosis and get an estimate of a personal injury attorney.
- Take insurance company details of the other driver.
- Take contact detail, address and names of the other drivers involved.
- Never get in touch with your insurance company alone, as this will do more harm than good to your personal injury case.
- Call the police to draft an official report of the accident.
So, if you’re a victim of a Colorado bad weather accident, try to follow the above-listed steps soon after the crash. Then, get the help of an experienced attorney to fight for your rights.
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