Car accidents involving students returning to school in the fall in Colorado are on the rise, according to a recent study conducted by USA Today, which ranked Colorado the 7th most dangerous state in the country for accidents involving young people this time of year.
“Roads have gotten deadlier in the 2020s, and back-to-school season is no exception,” reports Fox 31 News in Colorado about the increase in car accidents involving students returning to school this time of year.
So, just how bad are back-to-school accidents in Colorado? Why are so many car accidents happening involving young students? And what can be done to make the roads safer for school children and young adults? Our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys at The Longo Firm explain what to know.
Back-to-school accidents increase in Colorado
The recent Fox 31 Colorado news report about more car accidents involving school children stems from the recent USA Today study focusing on the increase in accidents during the summer months between 2018 and 2021.
During August and September, the number of back-to-school car accident fatalities in Colorado increased by 47 percent between 2018 and 2021 during the same two-month period, the 7th largest increase of any state nationwide based on accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Common causes of car accidents involving school children and young drivers
Back-to-school accidents involving young children and teenage drivers happen for many reasons. Another recent traffic study conducted by Zutobi about teen drivers, in particular, cited many of the common causes of collisions involving younger drivers:
- Speeding, especially for younger drivers who don’t realize just how dangerous speeding can be and misjudge distances and risks on the road.
- Distracted driving, which is especially common among younger drivers who often text while driving.
- Drinking and driving, even though teen drivers are not legally old enough to drink in Colorado. Drunk driving is especially common among teens and very dangerous.
What can be done to make Colorado’s roads safer for school children?
There are many steps younger drivers and communities can take to make Colorado’s roads safer for school children and young drivers. According to USA Today and other sources, such steps include:
- Educated younger drivers better about the risks they could encounter on the road.
- Teach young drivers to respect all road users, especially pedestrians and bicyclists, since young children often walk or ride a bike to school.
- Ensure young children walking or riding a bicycle to school are visible and wearing bright, reflective clothing, especially since the sun sets earlier in the day in autumn.
- Crosswalks should be clearly marked and painted with bright paint and reflectors, if possible, so drivers can clearly see where children cross the street.
- Police need to increase enforcement in school zones, especially when it comes to speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving.
Holding negligent drivers accountable
If your child was involved in a car accident in Colorado, an attorney can help you demand justice and accountability.
Sometimes, the driver who caused your accident denies doing anything wrong. Other times, it’s the insurance companies that are the problem. They will often do anything they can to avoid responsibility because your child's injuries are nothing more than a threat to their bottom line.
A Colorado Springs car accident lawyer from The Longo Firm can help you every step of the way. We know the law. We understand how the legal system works. And we’re prepared to do the work that needs to be done for you and your family. Contact us and learn more about your legal rights. Schedule a free and confidential case evaluation with a law firm you can trust to fight for you. We handle car accident claims in Colorado and Arizona.