Colorado safety officials are warning of an alarming uprise in teen deaths in car accidents.
“Driving is a pivotal rite of passage, but it comes with tremendous responsibility,” Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said in a recent statement. “The stakes are high, as young drivers often underestimate the risks they face on the road.
More than 60 teen drivers have already been killed in traffic accidents across Colorado so far this year, according to CSP and the Department of Transportation. That is up more than 50% from the same time last year. The total number of roadway fatalities involving teenage drivers – 73 – is more than one-third higher than last year.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a distressing increase in teen fatalities on our roads,” Packard added. “These statistics emphasize the need for education, awareness and parental involvement.”
Speeding, careless driving and failure to wear a seat belt are common factors in crashes involving teen drivers, according to CDOT. The majority of teenagers injured in crashes nationwide are not wearing seat belts at the time of the accidents.
Meanwhile, teenagers are significantly more likely than others to be killed in alcohol-related collisions. About 19% of 15- to 18-year-old passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2021 had been drinking, CDOT says.
A Denver teen recently died in a single-car rollover accident suspected to be the result of drunk driving, according to a CBS report.
The 16-year-old North High School Student was in a car packed with her friends when it rolled over on eastbound I-70 near I-76, CBS reported. She was one of six people – five teens and one adult – in the vehicle at the time.
“Police believe alcohol was a factor in the crash,” Olivia Young reports for CBS. “It’s not clear if anyone in the car was wearing a seatbelt.”
“We urge parents and guardians to play an active role in guiding their teens to become responsible drivers,” Darrell Lingk, director of the Highway Safety Office at CDOT, said in a statement. “By setting clear ground rules, modeling good driving behavior, and having ongoing conversations about the dangers of distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding, we can help our young drivers make smart decisions and protect themselves and others on the road.”
Legal Rights for People Injured in Car Accidents
Anyone who is injured in a car accident in Colorado has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash.
The monetary damages often available in these cases include compensation for medical bills, property damage, missed wages and any impact on your earning capacity. In the tragic case that a person is killed in an accident, his or her loved ones have the right to seek similar compensation from wrongful death.
You do not need to go it alone: an experienced Denver accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options, identify those liable for the collision and maximize your money damages.
Speak with a Denver Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck, car, motorcycle or other collision in Colorado, a Denver accident attorney at Levine Law can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Our lawyers are pleased to serve clients throughout Colorado, including in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins and Loveland. Call us at 303-333-8000 or contact us online to speak with a Denver accident attorney.
