While driving on Colorado’s roadways seems like a simple task, crash statistics continue to rise in accidents related to drivers failing to yield right of way. Since 2017, the Colorado State Patrol has investigated nearly 8,000 crashes caused by drivers failing to yield right of way, which has resulted in 60 fatalities and nearly 2,000 injuries. More than 60% of these crashes occurred in an intersection. While it seems like a no-brainer, the message can’t be re-iterated enough: Pay attention and wait your turn.
Do you know the rules in Colorado?
Are you aware of the rules of the road and how to avoid crashes by simply paying attention and waiting your turn?
In Colorado, there are several violations that would constitute failing to yield to the right of way. These include, failing to yield right of way when turning left in front of approaching traffic, proceeding from a stop sign to a stationary vehicle and proceeding from a stop sign to an emergency vehicle.
How can you improve?
In short, train yourself to always slow down and move over to stationary vehicles on the side of the road along with emergency vehicles that may be behind you. Make sure you come to a complete stop at stop signs and red traffic lights and do not proceed until safe to do so. If you are unsure, just wait.
Don’t become a state or nation-wide statistic. In 2019 alone, Failure to Yield Right of Way accounted for 7% of improper driving reported in fatal crashes and 48.6% of pedestrian fatalities were due to pedestrians not yielding right of way to vehicles.
With a dedication to keeping Colorado’s roadways safe, the Colorado State Patrol remains a resource for information regarding the state’s latest driving laws and helpful information as you take to the road. Stay tuned to our official social media pages including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for helpful information and a series of posts related to this topic.