Colorado roads and highways can be difficult to drive with winding roads and mountain passes, but there's one thing that can help all drivers stay safe.

According to a new report released by the Colorado State Patrol, the top cause of fatal crashes from 2019 to 2021 was lane violations.

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Every Generation in Colorado Is Guilty of Lane Violations

No matter what age of driver in Colorado, either the first or second leading cause of a fatal crash was related to lane violations.

“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.

Colorado State Patrol
Colorado State Patrol
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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.

Remember to Stay in Your Lane in Colorado

The Colorado State Patrol advises drivers not to solely depend on new collision warning sensors when attempting to pass another vehicle. Drivers should also remember to always use their turning signals when changing lanes.

43% of roadway fatalities in Colorado occur in rural areas, despite only 19% of the U.S. population occupying these areas. Basically, even though you're driving through an area that may be rural, that doesn't mean you can become lax on the best practices while driving.

The best course of action is to drive center in your own lane, wherever you are, with an equal distance on either side. You can learn more about Colorado's "Stay in Your Lane" campaign by following this link.

The Most Dangerous Colorado Counties to Drive Based on Fatal Accidents

While six Colorado counties managed zero fatal accidents in 2020, the rest were not nearly as safe to drive in.

CDOT 2022 Colorado Driver Survey Highlights

The annual driver survey by the Colorado Department of Transportation seeks information about driver behavior as it relates to factors such as seatbelts, alcohol, marijuana, cell phones, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Scroll on for a look at some of the survey highlights from the 2022 CDOT Driving Behavior Survey.

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