Warning: DOMDocument::loadHTML(): htmlParseEntityRef: no name in Entity, line: 30 in /home/dev/public_html/wp-content/themes/pru2.0/amp/single.php on line 52
Warning: DOMDocument::loadHTML(): htmlParseEntityRef: no name in Entity, line: 30 in /home/dev/public_html/wp-content/themes/pru2.0/amp/single.php on line 52
In the early morning hours of December 28, the Colorado Springs Police Department responded to the 55th and final, fatal crash of the year—a record for the city.
“These numbers are alarming, but even more startling are the reasons behind these statistics,” said Colorado Springs car accident attorney Christopher Nicolaysen, a founding member of Springs Law Group. “More often than not, it’s driver negligence that fuels these crashes. As we head into a new year, it’s more important than ever that drivers understand how they can stay safe on the roads.”
To deter future fatalities, Nicolaysen recommends taking these five steps to protect yourself and others.
#1 Drive Sober
It’s no secret that impaired or drunk driving can cause fatal accidents. Still, thousands of people get on the road daily thinking they’re safe to drive. Whether you’ve had one drink or 20 and are going around the block or down the highway, it’s never okay to drink and drive.
Impaired driving is exactly that—impaired. Your reaction time, vision, and perception of speed and distance are off.
“Remember that wherever you have to be is never more important than someone else’s life,” Nicolaysen noted.
#2 Slow Down
There’s a big difference between going one or two miles over the speed limit unknowingly and flying down the highway with no regard for other people on the road.
When you’re speeding, you drastically reduce your ability to react to danger and avoid a crash. You also increase your stopping distance and decrease the integrity of structures that are built to keep you safe, like guardrails and median dividers—a recipe for disaster.
#3 Stay Alert, Put Your Phone Away
It’s proven that the human brain is not designed to multitask, meaning you can’t actually do more than one complex thing at a time. So when you’re texting and driving, sometimes you’re texting and sometimes you’re driving. And during that one or two seconds that you’re looking at your phone, you could drift off into the other lane, crash into another car, lose control, and—before you know it—you’re seriously injured.
#4 Check Your Ride
“Car repairs may be expensive, but life is priceless,” Nicolaysen said.
Bald tires, overdue inspections, and check engine lights are dangerous for you and everyone else on the road. We’ve seen too many times where brakes go out, tires blow at fast speeds, or people experience a mechanical defect, lose control of their car, and crash.
Before you get behind the wheel, make sure your car is safe for the road.
#5 Keep Your Distance
Following too closely behind other vehicles is another major cause of fatal accidents in Colorado Springs. What happens if you’re traveling at high speeds and the car in front of you slams on the brakes? What about when they suddenly switch lanes, and there’s a stopped car in your lane or an obstruction?
You only have seconds to react—seconds to make a life-or-death decision, and more often than not, it ends badly for everyone involved.
About Springs Law Group
Springs Law Group is a Colorado law firm with a talented team of Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys. Serving areas like Castle Rock, Denver, Colorado Springs, and other regions of Colorado, Springs Law Group handles a range of personal injury practice areas, including car accident injuries, dog bites, insurance claims, and liability injuries.
The firm and some of its attorneys have earned various certifications, awards, and recognitions, including an Avvo Rating of 10.0, a Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2022 award, and Google’s Top Rating for Colorado Attorneys.
Book a free consultation with Springs Law Group, located at 1800 Office Club Pointe Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.
About Springs Law Group Injury Lawyers
Springs Law Group is a Colorado Springs personal injury law firm that is dedicated to its clients. At Spring Law Group, we prioritize our clients so they feel supported throughout the personal injury claim process. Springs Law Group stands by our clients every step of the way, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their damages. We value compassion and empathy–we work hard to make clients feel safe, supported, and listened to.
We believe that our clients matter. That is why we do what we do. We will not stop advocating for our clients until they get the justice they deserve. When you work with Springs Law Group, you can rest assured that your personal injury case is in reliable hands.
Book a free consultation today with one of our Top Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorneys or visit Springs Law Group at 1800 Office Club Pointe Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.
