Spring Blizzards Trigger More Denver Car Crashes

As any Colorado native knows, our spring weather can be very unpredictable, with the latest blizzard that descended on us serving as a prime example.

While spring snowstorms may be problematic for various reasons, for commuters, they can spell real danger – especially when motorists may not be experienced at driving in such adverse conditions.

A Look at the Damage & Havoc Caused by the March 2016 Spring Blizzard

Here’s a snapshot of the carnage that the Spring Blizzard of 2016 left in its wake:

• The storm caused several car accidents, forcing police to halt traffic along southbound I-25. Authorities ended up having to stop traffic along this corridor twice to clear the wreckage of traffic crashes. In fact, Denver Police made every attempt to inform motorists through local TV and radio broadcasts that if they got into an accident that didn’t involve injuries, alcohol or drugs to exchange information with the other motorist and file a report online.
• Most of the Front Range was put on an elevated traffic accident alert by authorities at the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
• Several road closures occurred, including for interstates and major roads leading into neighboring states, like Wyoming and Nebraska.
• The Denver International Airport was closed by noon on the first day of the storm, leaving travelers stranded all over the country for nearly two days.
• Nearly 80,000 residents from Denver to Fort Collins were left without power.
• Schools, government offices, and many businesses were closed.

Driving Safety 101: What to Do If You Are in a Car Accident or Trapped in a Car in a Blizzard

Knowing how volatile spring weather can be in Colorado – and that snowstorms and blizzards are a possibility well into March, here are some essential driving safety tips to familiarize yourself with and practice in order to reduce your risk of a crash (or harm) when driving in adverse conditions:

• Check the weather conditions before heading out on the roads, and consider rescheduling your plans if a storm or blizzard is predicted.
• Keep a survival/safety kit equipped with a sleeping bag, extra warm clothing, non-perishable food, water, etc. in your vehicle.
• If you are stuck on the side of the road during a storm or blizzard (either due to a breakdown or following a crash):
  • Make sure your exterior exhaust is clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Stay in your vehicle (for warmth and to avoid being hit by another vehicle).
  • Turn your vehicle off, only restarting it when you need to warm up.
  • Turn your vehicle’s hazard lights on and/or set up flares to maximize your visibility to other motorists and rescue crews.

Contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney at the Klibaner Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been hurt in any type of traffic collision, contact a Denver car accident attorney at the Klibaner Law Firm to find out more about your options for recovery.

You can call us at (303) 863-1445 or email us using the contact form on this page to schedule a free, no obligations initial consult with one of our attorneys. From our offices based in Denver, our attorneys provide superior representation to injured people throughout the Denver metro area and Colorado.