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(COLORADO) – We’ve all experienced it before. Someone pulls out in front of you as you’re driving down the road causing you to slam on your brakes, or worse, crash into them. Over the last four years, The Colorado State Patrol has investigated nearly 8,000 crashes caused by drivers failing to yield the right of way, which has resulted in 60 fatalities and nearly 2,000 injuries. Over 60% of these failure-to-yield crashes occurred in intersections. With growing congestion and motorist distractions, avoidable crashes are occurring much too frequently across the state. This has prompted the Colorado State Patrol to launch an education and awareness campaign this February called #WaitYourTurn. Whether you’re turning left in front of approaching traffic, proceeding from a stop sign, or driving next to someone stopped on the side of the road, including an emergency vehicle (Slow Down Move Over), far too many of us simply fail to take turns or move over for other motorists. Where are our manners? If you were walking through a heavily crowded area, it’s a common courtesy to say excuse me to get through, or we kindly move out of the way to let someone else get by, right? Failure to Yield Right of Way Manners 101: Intersections: Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red traffic signals to allow sufficient time to look left, right, and left again ensuring it’s safe to proceed. Flashing yellow signals means proceeding with caution – make sure traffic is clear from opposing traffic before proceeding. Stopped vehicle, emergency vehicle, or other object/activity on the side of the road: All of these things equal potential hazards whether it be a stranded motorist, maintenance worker, law enforcement, tow truck driver, etc. Just slow down, and move safely to the next lane to create space. Slower speed and space are your best friends while driving.
BONUS Material: Emergency vehicles approaching from the rear with lights and/or siren: Clear the left lane by moving to the right. Safely come to a complete stop and wait until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. The solution is simple. Please slow down; rushing will not get you to your destination much faster. Look and look again to make sure it’s safe. Lastly, let’s have some manners and some common decency for other people driving. ###
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