When you’re planning a summer road trip along Colorado’s scenic highways, understanding the causes of truck accidents can save your life. Each year, commercial truck crashes on Colorado roads lead to devastating injuries and fatalities, particularly during the busy summer travel season. As the highways around Colorado Springs and across our state fill with vacationers, the risk of encountering dangerous situations involving large commercial vehicles increases significantly.
At King & Beaty, we’ve represented countless victims of truck accidents and have gained firsthand knowledge of how these preventable tragedies occur.
The Rising Concern of Commercial Truck Safety in Colorado
Colorado’s mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and busy interstate corridors create unique challenges for truck safety.
Interstate 25, running through Colorado Springs and I-70, crossing the Rockies, are particularly notorious for truck accidents.
What makes these accidents so devastating is the extreme size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. When a fully loaded semi-truck collides with a family car, the outcomes are often catastrophic for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Top 10 Causes of Truck Accidents to Watch For on Your Summer Road Trip
Knowing what factors contribute to most accidents with a big-rig before you hit the road this summer can help you recognize dangerous situations before they develop. Here are the ten most common causes of truck accidents in Colorado:
Driver Fatigue
Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, tired drivers are consistently one of the leading causes of truck accidents nationwide and in Colorado. Long hauls through our state’s mountainous terrain are particularly exhausting for truck drivers.
While you are on the road this summer, watch out for warning signs including trucks drifting between lanes, driving at inconsistent speeds, or having delayed reactions to traffic changes. If you notice a truck exhibiting these behaviors on I-25 or other Colorado highways, maintain a safe distance and – if the behavior is particularly concerning – consider reporting the driver.
Distracted Driving
Colorado’s new laws restricting phone use while driving emphasize that distraction is a growing cause of truck accidents (and passenger vehicle accidents) on our roadways.
When truck drivers text, adjust GPS systems or engage with dispatch systems, their attention leaves the road—often with devastating consequences.
You might observe a distracted truck driver looking down repeatedly, failing to maintain consistent speed, or responding slowly to traffic signals. Give these drivers extra space, especially in high-traffic areas around Colorado Springs or Denver.
Inadequate Training
Operating a commercial truck requires specialized skills, particularly in Colorado’s challenging mountain passes like Wolf Creek, Monarch, and Raton. Unfortunately, driver shortages have led some companies to put inadequately trained drivers behind the wheel.
The causes of truck accidents are often traced back to drivers lacking specific training for mountain driving, including the proper braking techniques on steep grades. Watch for trucks with smoking brakes on downhill sections or drivers who seem unsure when navigating tight curves.
Excessive Speed
Speed is a critical factor in many truck accidents, especially in Colorado’s varied terrain. When commercial trucks travel too fast for conditions, they require significantly more distance to stop and are more likely to roll over on curves.
On your summer road trip, be especially cautious when you see trucks speeding on downhill sections of I-70 or taking mountain curves too quickly. Posted speed limits are set for ideal conditions—trucks should travel even slower during adverse weather or heavy traffic.
Improper Loading and Cargo Shifts
Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo ranks among the dangerous causes of truck accidents. When cargo shifts during travel, it can cause the entire truck to become unstable or even tip over.
Signs of potential cargo problems include trucks that appear to lean to one side, visible movement of the trailer, or in an open-air trailer, cargo that’s clearly not adequately secured. Give these vehicles extra space, especially on the winding roads throughout the Rockies.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Failed brakes, worn tires, and other maintenance issues are common causes of truck accidents that are entirely preventable. Trucking companies are legally responsible for the safety and maintenance of their fleets, but some cut corners to save costs.
Watch for visual indicators of poor maintenance, such as excessively worn tires, broken lights, or fluid leaking from the vehicle. These red flags suggest the truck might have other, less visible mechanical problems that could lead to an accident.
Aggressive Driving
When truckers are under pressure to meet delivery deadlines, aggressive driving behaviors may arise that significantly increase the causes of truck accidents. Unsafe lane changes, failure to yield and tailgating are particularly dangerous when performed by massive commercial vehicles.
If you encounter an aggressive truck driver during your Colorado road trip, never engage or respond with your own aggressive maneuvers. Instead, give them space, avoid eye contact, and consider pulling over to let them pass if necessary.
Drug and Alcohol Use
While strict regulations prohibit substance use by commercial drivers, impairment still contributes to the causes of truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that alcohol and drug use continue to be ongoing issues within the industry.
Signs of an impaired truck driver include erratic speed changes, weaving, extremely wide turns, or nearly hitting objects on the roadside.
If you suspect a truck driver is impaired, maintain distance and report your concerns to law enforcement by safely pulling over and calling 911.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Colorado’s unpredictable weather creates some of the most challenging driving conditions in the country. Summer thunderstorms, flash flooding, and even early snow at higher elevations can contribute to the causes of truck accidents when drivers fail to adjust accordingly.
During adverse weather on your summer road trip, be especially cautious around large trucks. Their stopping distance increases dramatically on wet or icy roads, and visibility problems are magnified in their large blind spots.
Blind Spot Accidents
The large blind spots around commercial trucks—often called “no zones”—are responsible for many accidents. These areas include directly behind the truck, alongside the trailer, and several areas around the cab.
Understanding the causes of truck accidents means recognizing that if you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, they likely can’t see you. Never linger in a truck’s blind spots, especially when traveling through high-traffic areas like the Colorado Springs corridor of I-25.
You Might Like: How to Document Your Injuries For a Stronger Personal Injury Claim in Colorado Springs
Protecting Yourself and Your Family on Colorado Highways
Now that you understand the common causes of truck accidents, here are specific strategies to keep your family safe on your Colorado summer road trip:
Give Trucks Extra Space
The most important rule when sharing the road with commercial trucks is to maintain a safe distance. This means:
- Stay at least 4-5 seconds behind a truck when following
- Allow extra space when passing, and don’t cut back in too quickly
- Give trucks plenty of room to make wide turns
- Never attempt to squeeze by a turning truck
This extra space becomes even more critical when traveling through construction zones along I-25 or when navigating the tight curves of mountain passes like those near Woodland Park or Breckenridge.
Be Visible and Predictable
As mentioned above, many causes of truck accidents involve passenger vehicles that truck drivers simply don’t see. To maximize your visibility:
- Avoid lingering in blind spots
- Use your signals early when changing lanes near trucks
- Maintain a consistent speed when traveling near commercial vehicles
- Keep your headlights on, even during daylight hours
Anticipate Truck Movements
Understanding how trucks maneuver can help you predict potential dangers:
- Expect trucks to swing wide when turning right
- Be aware that trucks require significant stopping distance, especially on downhill sections
- Recognize that strong winds on open stretches of highway can push trucks into adjacent lanes
- Watch for brake lights on long downgrades, where truck brakes can overheat
Plan Your Trip With Truck Traffic in Mind
You can minimize your exposure to the causes of truck accidents with strategic planning:
- Consider traveling during off-peak hours when fewer commercial vehicles are on the road
- Use Colorado Department of Transportation resources to identify high-risk areas for truck accidents
- Check weather forecasts, especially for mountain passes, and adjust your schedule accordingly
- Plan rest stops in safe areas away from truck parking zones
According to the NFCSA, fatal crashes involving large trucks increase during summer months. By planning your trip thoughtfully, you can reduce your risk during this dangerous season.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident
Despite your best precautions, you might still find yourself involved in or witnessing a truck accident. If this happens:
- Prioritize safety first—move to a safe location if possible
- Call 911 immediately
- Seek medical attention, even if you do not think you are injured or believe the injuries to be minor
- Take pictures and video of the scene if it’s safe to do so
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney
Remember that the injuries from truck accidents often have delayed symptoms. What seems like minor soreness immediately after a crash can develop into serious medical issues days or weeks later. The Mayo Clinic confirms that soft tissue injuries and even traumatic brain injuries can have symptoms that don’t appear immediately, making prompt medical evaluation crucial.
Related: The Long Terms Affects of Traumatic Brain Injuries and Why You Shouldn’t Settle Too Quickly
How King & Beaty Advocates for Truck Accident Victims
The causes of truck accidents often extend beyond the driver to include trucking companies, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and even vehicle manufacturers. At King & Beaty, our team investigates every aspect of truck accident cases to identify all responsible parties.
When we represent Colorado Springs residents and visitors injured in truck accidents, we:
- Secure and analyze the truck’s electronic logging device data
- Investigate the driver’s history and qualifications
- Review maintenance records and inspection reports
- Consult with accident reconstruction specialists
- Determine the full extent of current and future damages
- Negotiate with trucking companies and their insurers
- Prepare thoroughly for trial when fair settlements aren’t offered
Our knowledge of the causes of truck accidents as well as the complicated regulations governing the trucking industry allows us to build compelling cases for our clients.
Don’t Face the Aftermath of a Truck Accident Alone
If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident in Colorado Springs, you need dedicated legal representation. Trucking companies literally have teams of attorneys working to minimize their liability—you deserve equally powerful advocacy on your side.
At King & Beaty, we understand the devastating effect an accident with a semi or other big truck have on victims and their families. Our Colorado Springs semi truck accident lawyers have helped clients rebuild their lives after suffering serious injuries on I-25, Highway 24, and other dangerous roadways throughout our region.
Contact King & Beaty today for a free consultation about your truck accident case.
