Every day, car crashes wreak havoc, causing significant damage and, tragically, loss of life. The aftermath of such accidents can leave survivors with lasting trauma, sometimes even instilling a fear of driving.

According to data from ASIRT (the Association for Safe International Road Travel), a staggering average of 3,700 lives are claimed by car accidents worldwide every day, amounting to 1.35 million deaths annually.

What Is the First Car Accident Ever Reported?

In the annals of transportation history, one incident stands out as the first recorded automobile accident. It was a crisp day in 1891, somewhere along the roads of Ohio, when James William Lambert found himself at the center of this historic moment. He was behind the wheel of the nation's inaugural single-cylinder gasoline automobile, embarking on a journey that would etch his name into the annals of history.

Accompanied by a fellow traveler, James navigated the winding roads with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Little did he know, fate had a surprise in store. A chance encounter with a protruding tree root sent the vehicle veering off course, culminating in an unexpected collision with a hitching post.

Thankfully, both James and his companion emerged from the ordeal relatively unscathed. While the mishap may have marred their journey, it marked a significant moment in the evolution of transportation, paving the way for the modern era of automobiles.

While this was the first recorded accident, here are a few incidents often debated as the worst car crash ever in the state of Colorado.

Thanksgiving Day 1989 on I-70 Near Georgetown

Colorado, like every other state, has witnessed its share of devastating car accidents. Here, we delve into some of the worst incidents in the state's history and explore measures to prevent becoming a part of these alarming statistics.

The worst car accident in Colorado history occurred on Thanksgiving Day in 1989 on Interstate 70 near Georgetown. The accident involved over 100 vehicles, including cars, trucks, and semi-trailers.

Freezing fog and snow led to extremely poor visibility and icy road conditions, causing a chain reaction of collisions that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The exact number of casualties varies in different reports, but it was a tragic event that prompted changes in highway safety measures in the state.

The I-70 incident, often referred to as the state’s worst car accident in history, differs from the state’s deadliest traffic accident in history.

Passenger Train Hits School Bus East of Evans, CO

On Dec. 14, 1961 a crash involving a school bus and train killed 20 children in Weld County. This school bus crash remains Colorado’s deadliest car crash in history.

In response to this heartbreaking event, the government took action, passing a new law through Congress. This law mandates that drivers of specific commercial vehicles, such as school buses, must now pause, visually inspect, and listen for any oncoming trains before crossing railroad tracks.

I-25 Winter Pile-up in Denver - March 1, 2014

This tragic multi-vehicle collision involving 104 vehicles, claiming the life of one woman, stemmed from drivers disregarding the hazardous wintry road conditions. This chaotic event unfolded shortly before 11:00 am, leaving numerous individuals stranded, with many seeking refuge on crowded buses to evade the biting cold.

Furthermore, the aftermath resulted in a traffic standstill spanning over a mile, with bumper-to-bumper congestion rippling across the vicinity due to highway diversions. It wasn't until five hours after the accident that I-25 finally reopened its lanes to weary commuters.

Exploring Significant Car Crashes Across America

Beyond Colorado's most notorious motor vehicle accidents, the annals of American history hold other harrowing tales of highway tragedies. Here's a glimpse into some of the nation's noteworthy accidents that left lasting scars.

Tennessee's December Pile-Up

Back in 2011, Tennessee bore witness to a colossal pile-up involving 176 vehicles due to thick fog and treacherous black ice. Miraculously, only one fatality was reported, with 16 others sustaining injuries. It took over 24 grueling hours to clear the wreckage, leaving 50 vehicles stranded on the highway even after the first day's efforts.

Valentine’s Day Snowstorm in Kansas City

On Valentine's Day in 2010, a massive snowstorm swept through Kansas City, triggering multiple pile-ups across the city. One of these incidents involved over 140 vehicles, although fortunately, there were no fatalities. Some victims did suffer minor injuries, though.

Largest Multi-Car Accident in US History: California 2002

In a fog-shrouded Los Angeles on November 3, 2002, history bore witness to what remains the largest multi-car accident in US history. Astonishingly, there were no fatalities, but the collision involving 216 vehicles and 41 injuries occurred when a tractor-trailer collided with a concrete divider. The reduced visibility led to a domino effect as other drivers were unable to react in time, resulting in a sprawling pile-up.

The Tragic North Carolina Incident

Looking back to 1956, Fayetteville, North Carolina, was shaken by a devastating accident claiming 21 lives. A work truck carrying migrant workers was struck by a tractor-trailer, though there's no evidence of a pile-up. Nonetheless, the majority of casualties likely stemmed from the passengers involved.

The Deadliest Bus Crash

In 1988, tragedy struck when a Kentucky school bus collided with an intoxicated semi-truck driver, marking the nation's deadliest bus crash. The horrific accident resulted in 27 fatalities and 34 severe injuries.

These accounts of vehicular calamities, while chilling, have spurred advancements in automotive technology and road safety measures. They serve as poignant reminders for drivers to remain vigilant and practice safe driving habits.

In response to such incidents, legislative changes have been implemented, aimed at ensuring better justice, such as in the case of the Kentucky school bus collision involving a driver under the influence.

Analysis of Recent Colorado Car Accidents

Recent analysis conducted by MoneyGeek.com has revealed concerning trends on the roads of Colorado. MoneyGeek delved into the data of 1,706 tragic accidents that took place in Colorado from 2018 to 2020 to uncover the factors behind these fatal incidents. With Colorado boasting 185,486 miles of roadway, the report zeroed in on 758 specific roads for their analysis.

The stretch of W. Colfax Avenue between Ingalls Street and N. Broadway stands out as particularly dangerous, with a staggering 17 fatal accidents occurring there between 2018 and 2020.

The data further highlights the prevalent role of speeding and drunk driving in fatal crashes statewide. Shockingly, nearly three-quarters of the 1,706 deadly crashes in Colorado during the same period involved either speeding or drunk driving. Speeding was cited as a contributing factor in 38.9% of fatal accidents, while drunk driving played a role in 33.6% of crashes.

Distracted driving also proved to be a significant concern, contributing to 8.3% of fatal accidents, totaling 141 crashes resulting in fatalities.

When analyzing the timing of these tragic events, August emerged as the month with the highest number of deadly accidents between 2018 and 2020, accounting for 11.3% of the total. July and June followed closely behind, with 10.7% and 10.4% of fatal crashes, respectively.

Zooming in on specific regions, El Paso County stood out with the highest number of fatal crashes. Notably, a significant portion of these accidents, totaling 28, took place on I-25 within the county's boundaries. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and vigilant enforcement to address the alarming rate of fatal accidents on Colorado's roads.

Ensuring Road Safety: A Guide for Every Driver

Avoiding car accidents is a shared desire among all drivers. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of being involved in an accident, or at least reduce its severity. Whether you're cruising through city streets or winding down a rural highway, staying safe behind the wheel is paramount.

Here are some practical tips to keep you safe on the road, no matter where your journey takes you:

• Drive Responsibly
• Obey Speed Limits
• Check Your Mirrors
• Be Weather Aware
• Maintain Safe Following Distances
• Keep Your Vehicle Maintained
• Be Prepared

By following these tips, you can help ensure your safety and that of others on the road, regardless of your location or driving conditions.