Colorado has the eighth highest rate of fatal vehicle rollovers in America, according to a study by a Florida law firm. The study was conducted by Florida personal injury lawyers Anidjar and Levine and found that Colorado reported nearly 700 crashes, 29.47 percent of which involved vehicle rollovers, in 2022. The law firm analyzed data from the NHTSA
Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool to create the study. Wyoming topped the list for the highest rate of fatal vehicle rollovers in the country as 56.78 percent of fatal vehicle crashes in the state involved a vehicle rollover. That number is an increase from 2021 when 50.9 percent of fatal vehicle crashes involved a vehicle rollover.
Other states that ranked ahead of Colorado in fatal vehicle rollovers include North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, and New Mexico. New York had the lowest rate of fatal vehicle rollovers at 11.13 percent, according to the study by Anidjar and Levine.
To reduce your risk of a rollover crash:
- Slow down: Speed is a major factor in rollovers.Always obey speed limits, especially on rural roadsand curves.
- Stay alert: Avoid distractions like phones andfocus on the road.
- Buckle up: Seatbelts can save your life in a rollover.
- Maintain your vehicle: Check tire pressure and ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.
Load carefully: Secure cargo and avoid overloading your vehicle.
Last year, the number of deaths from car crashes in Colorado decreased compared to 2022, but not by much. In 2023, around 716 people died from traffic incidents, including 133 pedestrians and 20 bicyclists. The 133 pedestrian victims represented a 16 percent increase from 2022 while the 20 bicyclist victims represented a 33 percent increase from 2022.
Meanwhile, the state also saw a 60 percent increase in deaths in Colorado construction zones. Last year, 16 people were killed in construction zones. Speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving were also leading factors for traffic deaths in the state.
In 2023, there were 227 impaired driving deaths in the state. While that number is a 21 percent decrease compared to 2022, nearly a third of deaths on Colorado roads were a result of drivers who were impaired because of alcohol or cannabis use. Drivers looking at smartphones or vehicle touchscreen systems were involved in dozens of road deaths as well.
El Paso County led the way for deadly crashes, recording 78 deaths, followed by Denver County (71), Arapahoe County (68), and Adams County (62).
To combat these troubling numbers, the state has implemented safety campaigns and efforts to focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety in Denver and other parts of the metro area. Roadway improvements like the installation of rumble strips and guard rails are also expected to play a factor in reducing fatal vehicle crashes.
