Traveling by car in Colorado or elsewhere throughout the country can be tricky – and deadly, in some instances. As a matter of fact, the Denver Post published a story that discussed some of the 2015 statistics gathered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) with respect to auto collisions – particularly fatalities.
The article noted that over 500 people died from a traffic collision in Colorado in 2015, which is an almost 12 percent increase in traffic deaths from 2014. It’s been many years (2008, in fact) since the number of traffic fatalities has exceeded 500. The reason for the increase, according to officials, stems from the economy – lower gas prices, mean more drivers are hitting the road, which, in turn, increases the chances of an accident occurring.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The article specifically noted a significant increase in motorcycle-related deaths in 2015 (over 100 fatalities). CDOT did not offer an explanation for that particular increase. Additionally, just about half of those who died in automobile accidents were not wearing seatbelts. Unfortunately, there are still drivers who refuse to buckle up for safety. The issue has become so problematic that lawmakers are thinking about proposing legislation that would permit a police officer to pull over a driver who was caught not wearing a seatbelt – meaning it would be a “primary” seatbelt law.
Sadly, there were 14 bikers killed in 2015 as well, along with 64 pedestrians. Another startling statistic is that 32 percent of the traffic fatalities that occurred involved alcohol.
Moving Colorado Towards Zero Deaths
In an effort to curb the number of traffic fatalities in Colorado and get them down to zero, the governor, in conjunction with national and state officials, announced a new campaign in 2015, Moving Towards Zero Deaths. The campaign is said to be a “bold and visionary goal of zero deaths for every individual, family and community using Colorado’s transportation network.”
When the campaign was announced, the governor commented that even one death was too many, so the new campaign should serve as a wake-up call to those who have become unconcerned with the number of traffic fatalities that occur throughout the state every year. Along with the campaign, a public service announcement was created to introduce the initiative and demonstrate the horror and agony experienced by families who have lost loved ones in a traffic accident.
In an effort to meet the goal of the campaign, law enforcement intends to crack down on distracted driving, noting that it is an epidemic that needs to be handled, in part, by educating individuals about not using their cell phones while driving.
The article concluded that even though there was a spike in auto accident fatalities in 2015, generally over the last 15 years, there’s been a downward trend with respect to fatalities.
If you have lost a family member or loved one in an automobile crash, do not hesitate to contact the Denver auto accident attorneys at Levine Law as soon as possible.
