It’s no secret, I25 is a treacherous path for those in the Denver area. Dubbed the most dangerous stretch of highway in the Denver area, I25 poses a number of threats to drivers just trying to make it from point A to point B in one piece.
As a personal injury law firm, our Aurora car accident lawyers have seen our fair share of accidents. Whether it’s because of the weather, the heavy traffic, or a lack of attention to road conditions ahead, Denver drivers need to proceed with caution on I25.
And in case you’ve missed the steady stream of reports of accidents on I25, here is a little background about our infamous freeway.
What Are the Dangers of Traveling on I25?
According to a recent report published by Denver’s 7NEWS, the stretch of highway spanning the area between Denver and Colorado Springs is the most dangerous section of freeway in the area.
Long plagued by congestion and poor road conditions, this 18-mile piece of road was the backdrop for over 5000 crashes between 2011 and 2015. And in 2009 alone, there were nearly 1000 accidents along this stretch of the highway.
Headline-making accidents on I25 have plagued the freeway since the late 1950s when the road was constructed. One notable accident from 1959 killed 17 cows and ended with an impromptu community barbecue. In 1985, a plane crashed on the freeway, killing the pilot.
In recent years we’ve seen everything from multi-car pile-ups to rollover accidents. In 2017, over 1700 crashes have occurred in just this one corridor. A tanker fire back in June shut down the freeway for several hours.
The area, known as The Gap, is arguably the most dangerous part of highway in and around Denver. The freeway is one of the busiest corridors in the area and plans to widen the road are on the horizon. In the meantime, traffic has continued to become more congested, and after two patrol officers were killed, the state ramped up efforts to make a change. Construction aimed at widening the freeway is slated to begin in 2019.
Still, thousands of cars, trucks, and motorcycles make the trek through “The Gap” on a daily basis—the congestion and the sheer numbers naturally make this stretch of land especially dangerous. And with multi-tasking commuters and tourists traversing unfamiliar territory, drivers need to be on the lookout for hazards.
Below, we’ll outline how to stay safe on I25, and how to generally avoid a personal injury, wrongful death, or any other adverse outcome while traveling.
How to Plan Your Commute—Traveling Safely in the Denver Area
If you’re worried about traveling on I25, consider taking an alternative route to your destination. Plug your desired endpoint into smartphone apps like Waze or Google Maps and choose a different route when possible to avoid this particular freeway. Of course, switching things up isn’t always possible for those commuting to work, so pick your battles strategically.
If that’s the case, the website, COtrip can give you some insights into the current conditions on I25—whether that’s an update on traffic, weather, road work, and the average speed of other drivers. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you avoid treacherous conditions and be on the lookout for roadblocks, detours, and more.
While many people find themselves frustrated while sitting around on crowded stretches of freeway, it’s imperative that you keep a level head when passing through the so-called “Bermuda Triangle” of freeway accidents. Avoid yelling at fellow passengers or making obscene gestures or honking when agitated. Always wear a seatbelt and proceed slowly, and with caution in the event of inclement weather.
Additionally, minding the speed limits and being prepared for road conditions and construction can help you take on your commute with ease. Beyond staying informed, do be aware that distracted driving has been on the rise for quite some time. Keep your eyes on the road and pull over if you really need to answer that call, text, or email.
And speaking of “minding,” the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) launched a new safety initiative to increase awareness for drivers regarding the rules of the road.
But, you can’t predict a safe arrival no matter how cautious you are. Accidents can happen, turn signals, cool heads, and unparalleled alertness can still lead to an unexpected collision.
Have You Been in Accidents on I25? Manning Law Can Help
Unfortunately, you can take all these precautions and still find yourself in a sticky situation. Should you get in an accident on I25, it’s imperative that you seek legal counsel from a Denver-area attorney.
Our local team of attorneys can help you to navigate every part of your post-accident process: giving guidance in terms of the specific state ordinances that come into play, as well as Colorado’s unique set of personal injury laws.
Manning Law can help you get the assistance you need—making sure you’re compensated for your injuries and other related costs. Our Denver car accident lawyers know that getting in a car accident is nothing anyone anticipates, and we aim to make the process for legal action following the trauma as pain-free as possible.
With decades of combined car accident experience, the Aurora personal injury lawyers at Manning Law knows how to help you win those cases involving accidents on I25. That means everything from fender benders to wrongful deaths. Contact us today at (720) 515-3191, and we’ll set up a free consultation.
