It’s no secret that drunk and reckless drivers pose a deadly threat to everyone on the road. However, it may come as a surprise that our communities are more at risk than in years past.
In 2021, 253 people died in accidents involving impaired drivers. That number represents a 20-year high for the state of Colorado and a 45% increase over data from just two years ago.
Colorado’s Record-Setting Accident Statistics
Colorado has seen a concerning increase in traffic deaths since 2019. CDOT reported that there were 691 total traffic fatalities in 2021. That marks an unsettling 50% uptick compared to 2011.
CDOT presented a few more relevant statistics in a recent news release, including that:
- Fatalities involving impaired drivers have increased by 44% since 2019.
- Over 26,000 impaired driving cases were filed in Colorado in 2019.
- 45% of the drivers in those cases tested positive for multiple substances.
All substances can make drivers more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding, aggressive driving, and texting while driving. Using multiple substances together, such as alcohol and cannabis, can further worsen a driver’s risk of being involved in an accident.
Unfortunately, the problem is also happening on a national level. 2020 crash data from the NHTSA shows that 38,824 lives were lost in traffic accidents that year. Additionally, 45% of the drivers involved in fatal crashes were participating in one or more of these risky behaviors:
- Speeding
- Alcohol impairment
- Not wearing a seatbelt
Getting Justice for Accident Victims
Motor vehicle accident victims and their families deserve justice and compensation. Crashes caused by intoxicated or reckless drivers can have severe and lasting impacts on innocent people. Our attorneys are committed to helping injured individuals fight for their rights. And in the case of a fatal traffic accident, a wrongful death claim may help hold the driver accountable.
Schedule a Free Legal Consultation in Boulder
Are you dealing with the aftermath of a crash caused by a negligent driver? Call 303-993-8685 to schedule a free legal consultation with our motor vehicle accident attorneys. Jeffress Law proudly serves clients from Boulder, Longmont, Broomfield, and surrounding areas in Colorado.
