Introduction
Lakewood, Colorado is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. However, like any other city, it is not immune to accidents. Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, and the consequences can be devastating. In this article, we will discuss the causes of auto accidents in Lakewood, Colorado, ways to prevent them, and what you need to know if you are involved in an accident.
Major Roads in Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood, Colorado, located in Jefferson County, is the fifth-largest city in the state. It boasts over 150,000 residents and has a thriving economy that attracts both residents and visitors. Major roads in Lakewood are crucial for connecting the city’s various neighborhoods and facilitating transportation of goods and people. This article will explore the four main roads in Lakewood and their significance to the city.
US 6 Highway
US 6 Highway, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, is one of the oldest highways in the United States. It spans over 3,000 miles, from Massachusetts to California, passing through 14 states. In Lakewood, US 6 runs east to west, connecting Denver and Golden.
US 6 was constructed in the 1930s, and it quickly became an essential route for travelers and commerce. In Lakewood, US 6 plays a vital role in connecting Denver to the Rocky Mountains. It provides access to popular ski resorts, such as Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.
Colfax Avenue
Colfax Avenue, or “the longest, wickedest street in America,” as it is affectionately known, is one of the most historic roads in Lakewood. It stretches over 50 miles, from Aurora to Golden, and runs through the heart of Lakewood.
Colfax Avenue was originally a Native American trail that connected Denver to the mountains. It was later widened and paved in the 1920s, and it quickly became a bustling commercial district. Today, Colfax Avenue is home to a diverse mix of businesses, including restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues.
Wadsworth Boulevard
Wadsworth Boulevard is another major road in Lakewood, running north to south through the city. It spans over 15 miles, from Broomfield to Littleton, and provides easy access to nearby neighborhoods and cities.
Wadsworth Boulevard was named after General James Wadsworth, a Civil War veteran, and politician. The road was developed in the 1950s and quickly became an essential transportation route in the Denver metropolitan area. Today, Wadsworth Boulevard is home to several businesses, including shopping centers, restaurants, and auto dealerships.
Kipling Street
Kipling Street, named after Rudyard Kipling, is another major road in Lakewood, running north to south. It spans over 11 miles, from Arvada to Littleton, and provides easy access to various neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Kipling Street was developed in the 1950s and was named after Rudyard Kipling, a famous British author. The road is known for its scenic views of the Rocky Mountains and is home to several parks and open spaces.
Traffic Flow and Congestion
Like many cities, traffic flow and congestion are significant issues in Lakewood. The city experiences heavy traffic during peak hours, especially on major roads such as US 6, Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, and Kipling Street. These roads can be dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
Common areas of traffic congestion include intersections, highway exits, and areas with construction projects. Proposed solutions to traffic congestion include improving public transportation, constructing additional lanes on major roads, and improving the flow of traffic through smart technology.
Future Developments and Improvements
Despite the challenges, Lakewood is making significant strides in improving its transportation infrastructure. Several projects and developments are currently underway on major roads, such as US 6 and Wadsworth Boulevard.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is planning to reconstruct the US 6 interchange at I-70, which will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Wadsworth Boulevard is also set to undergo significant improvements, including the construction of a new underpass at 19th Avenue and a pedestrian bridge over Wadsworth Boulevard.
The Causes of Accidents in Lakewood, Colorado
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of accidents in Lakewood, Colorado is distracted driving. Distracted driving can take many forms, including texting while driving, eating while driving, and talking on the phone while driving. It only takes a split second of distraction to cause an accident that could have been prevented.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of accidents in Lakewood, Colorado. Many drivers believe that they can get to their destination faster by speeding, but this is a dangerous and irresponsible behavior. Speeding reduces the amount of time that drivers have to react to unexpected situations, and can easily result in accidents. Rideshare drivers sometimes speed or drive dangerously to increase the number of rides they can book.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is a serious problem in Lakewood, Colorado. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to focus. Impaired drivers are a danger to themselves and others on the road, and should never get behind the wheel.
Weather Conditions
Lakewood, Colorado is known for its unpredictable weather conditions. Snow, ice, and rain can make driving conditions hazardous. Drivers need to adjust their driving to accommodate for the weather, including reducing their speed, leaving more space between themselves and other vehicles, and using their headlights. Lakewood is a major avenue for trucks, buses and other large vehicles that may cause serious collisions.
Prevention of Accidents in Lakewood, Colorado
Eliminating Distracted Driving
Eliminating distracted driving is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents in Lakewood, Colorado. Drivers should avoid any activities that take their attention away from the road, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, and drinking.
Obeying Speed Limits
Obeying speed limits is another effective way to prevent accidents in Lakewood, Colorado. Speed limits are set for a reason, and drivers should respect them. By reducing their speed, drivers can increase their reaction time and avoid accidents.
Avoiding Impaired Driving
Avoiding impaired driving is critical to preventing accidents in Lakewood, Colorado. Drivers who have been drinking or using drugs should never get behind the wheel. Instead, they should use alternative transportation, such as taxis or ride-sharing services.
Adapting to Weather Conditions
Adapting to weather conditions is another effective way to prevent accidents in Lakewood, Colorado. Drivers should reduce their speed and use their headlights when driving in rain, snow, or ice. They should also leave more space between themselves and other vehicles. This is especially important for non-automobiles like bicycles and motorcycles.
What You Need to Know if You Are Involved in an Accident
Stay Calm
If you are involved in an accident in Lakewood, Colorado, the first thing you should do is stay calm. Accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, but it is important to remain calm and focused.
Call for Help
The next thing you should do is call for help. If there are any injuries or damage to property, you should call 911 immediately. The police will come to the scene and take a report, which will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.
Exchange Information
You should exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident, including names, phone numbers, and insurance information. This will be important when you file your insurance claim.
Document the Scene
Documenting the scene of the accident is essential if you need to file an insurance claim. Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, as well as any injuries sustained. Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After you have left the scene of the accident, you should contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with all of the information you gathered at the scene, and they will guide you through the claims process.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have been injured in the accident, it is essential that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. A medical professional will be able to evaluate your injuries and provide you with the appropriate treatment. You may have a latent brain injury, spinal injury, or other catastrophic injury.
Conclusion
Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, including in Lakewood, Colorado. Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and weather conditions are all common causes of accidents in Lakewood. However, there are steps you can take to prevent accidents, including eliminating distractions, obeying speed limits, avoiding impaired driving, and adapting to weather conditions. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to stay calm, call for help, exchange information, document the scene, contact your insurance company, and seek medical attention if necessary. Afterwards, talk to a Lakewood personal injury attorney about your potential case.
FAQs
- What should I do if I witness an accident in Lakewood, Colorado?
- If you witness an accident in Lakewood, Colorado, you should call 911 immediately to report the accident. There may be serious injuries or even a wrongful death.
- Who is responsible for paying for the damages in an accident?
- The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for damages in an accident.
- What happens if I am involved in an accident with an uninsured driver?
- If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company, or pursue legal action against the other driver.
- What should I do if I am involved in a hit-and-run accident?
- If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Lakewood, Colorado, you should call 911 immediately and provide as much information as possible about the other vehicle, including the license plate number if possible.
- What are some common injuries sustained in car accidents?
- Some common injuries sustained in car accidents include whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. It is important to seek medical attention after an accident to evaluate any potential injuries.
