Lane violations to be top contributing factor in deadly crashes in Colorado, state patrol reports

COLORADO (KRDO) -- Based on a new deadly crash report released by the Colorado State Patrol, all drivers, no matter the generation, have one thing in common, many are switching lanes in an unsafe manner. According to the state patrol, lane violations were either the first or second main factor in deadly crashes.

The state patrol said all the data pulled was from the past three years.

“Looking at the most tragic crashes, the ones where lives are lost, lane violations are undeniably a leading factor,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Sometimes it is a bad habit like preferring to hug the center line as we drive or other times it is because we are driving recklessly making poor passes or cutting over a lane without seeing another vehicle.”

2019-2021 top crash casual factors in deadly crashes, according to the state patrol.

Common violations on the road, according to the state patrol:

• Switching lanes in an unsafe manner.
• Driving too close to the center line and crossing over or likewise driving too close to the exterior lane line and crossing over.
• Driving centered in a lane with equal distance on both sides of the vehicle is the primary or “default” position for normal circumstances to drive.

The state patrol wants to remind drivers that there should be space on both sides of the vehicle while driving.

“It’s also very important that we don’t solely rely on collision warning sensors to safely pass another vehicle, while these systems help the driver they are not perfect,” stated Col. Packard. “As a driver, you have to check to ensure the lane is clear or you have adequate space to go into another lane. Your actions can cause a change reaction.”

You can learn about the 'Stay in Your Lane' campaign here.