Summer is peak season for road trips, family vacations, and scenic drives; it's also the most dangerous time of year to be on the road. Longer daylight hours, increased traffic, and more drivers unfamiliar with local roads all contribute to a spike in car accidents during the summer months. If you plan to hit the highway in Colorado, Utah, or anywhere else this season, prioritize safety.
Below, we share essential summer travel safety tips to help you avoid a crash this vacation season, plus recent statistics that show just how risky summer road travel can be in the Mountain West.
🚨 Summer Crash Statistics in Colorado and Utah
Before we dive into tips, consider these sobering facts:
Colorado
- In 2023, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported over 600 traffic fatalities, with July and August accounting for the highest number of crashes statewide.
- Rural mountain roads and high-speed highways like I-70, especially near the Eisenhower Tunnel, are common sites for out-of-town driver crashes, especially during vacation season.
Utah
- According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, June through August are consistently the deadliest months for traffic fatalities in the state.
- Utah’s national parks and scenic byways get a lot of out-of-state traffic, increasing the risk of vacation car crashes due to distracted or inexperienced drivers.
🛑 Common Causes of Summer Car Accidents
Understanding the biggest risks can help you prevent them. Here are the top causes of summer road trip accidents:
- Distracted driving (especially using GPS or phones)
- Speeding on unfamiliar or open highways
- Fatigue during long road trips
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving on holiday weekends
- Congestion and aggressive driving in tourist hotspots
- Reckless driving by out-of-state motorists unfamiliar with local laws or terrain
✅ Summer Road Trip Safety Tips
To stay safe and avoid becoming part of these statistics, follow these tips before and during your summer travels:
Inspect Your Vehicle Before You Go. Check your brakes, tires, lights, and fluids. Ensure your air conditioning and windshield wipers are in working order.
Plan Routes in Advance. Use a GPS app, but study your route beforehand so you’re not constantly glancing at your phone. Be aware of construction zones and mountain road conditions.
Avoid Peak Travel Times. If possible, drive early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid heavy holiday weekend traffic.
Take Breaks Every 2 Hours. Fatigue is a major factor in crashes. Schedule rest stops to stretch, hydrate, and reset.
Don’t Drive Impaired. Even one drink can impair judgment. Always have a designated driver or use a rideshare app.
Watch for Motorcycles and Cyclists. Summer is also peak season for motorcycles and bikes. Double-check your blind spots and allow extra room when passing.
Stay Calm in Traffic. Tourist areas and scenic routes often mean delays. Aggressive driving only increases your risk.
🚗 What to Do If You’re in a Crash While Traveling
If you’re involved in an accident while on vacation in Colorado or Utah, here’s what to do:
- Call 911 immediately and report any injuries.
- Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and injuries.
- Exchange information with other drivers and witnesses.
- Get medical care, even if you feel fine. Some injuries surface later.
- Call a local personal injury attorney, especially if you're from out of state. Local experience matters.
If you or someone you love is injured in a crash while traveling in Colorado or Utah, our experienced attorneys at Veritas Injury Lawyers are here to help. We know local laws, insurance tactics, and how to fight for the compensation you deserve, and we're ready to fight for you. Because, at Veritas Injury Lawyers, Truth Wins.
