Traffic deaths surged across Colorado in 2021 hitting a 20-year high. The deaths were the result of conscious choices to drive distracted, drive under the influence and drive aggressively which are resulting in fatal behaviors on our roads. One identified way that each of these choices can affect a motorist’s behavior is through their inability to stay safely centered in their driving lane.
Accident responders have found themselves the victims of accidents as travelers driving too fast for conditions have slammed into them. Photo: Colorado State Patrol.
In 2021, Colorado State Troopers investigating injury and fatal crashes around the state saw a spike in crashes caused by drivers leaving their lane, both crossing over the center line or off the side of the road. Given the state and the nation were deep in the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in fatal rashes is noteworthy.
Investigators found a 30.6 percent increase in injury crashes caused by lane violations. Even more alarming, investigators saw a 74 percent increase in fatal crashes caused by lane violations in 2021.
“Focus and control behind the wheel occurs when the task of driving is your number one priority and receives your full attention,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “No amount of experience behind the wheel can prevent a tragedy when you don’t have the time or the awareness to react to another motorist, changing road conditions or unplanned hazard in your path.”
Looking at last year’s lane violation caused fatal crashes investigated by the Colorado State Patrol, the top five counties that had the largest quantity of fatalities were:
- El Paso County
- Douglas County
- Boulder County
- Mesa County
- Jefferson County
Looking at data over a three-year period (2019-2021) showed that Saturday was the deadliest day of the week for lane violation crashes with peak hours between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Refresher on Lane Positioning
A driver’s primary or “default” position for normal circumstances is to drive so that your vehicle (not the driver) is in the center of the lane with equal amounts of space on both sides of the vehicle.
The second lane position is to have the vehicle aligned to the left, ensuring that the vehicle is still safely off the dividing line. This should be used with caution if you are avoiding a hazard on the right part of the lane (i.e. ,driving through a city block where parked car doors may open) or if you are slowing down due to a road worker or emergency responder on the shoulder. As soon as possible, you should return to your primary, centered lane position.
The third lane position is to have the vehicle aligned to the right, ensuring that the vehicle is still safely off the right lane line. This would be used when avoiding a hazard in the left part of the lane. As soon as possible, you should return to your primary, centered lane position.
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