If you are involved in a car crash, there are a variety of important steps you must take.
Here are five things to keep in mind.
5 important things to do after a car accident
Concern for the safety of Colorado motorcyclists
Although the season for riding motorcycles is winding down, there are still at least a couple of months left when Colorado residents can enjoy riding through this state's many mountain passes and scenic byways. Of course, it is important that when they take the roads, motorcyclists do so safely. In particular, wearing the proper helmet and protective gear, such as a leather jacket, gloves and goggles, is a great way to prevent severe injuries, including brain injuries and burn injuries, should there be a motorcycle accident.
However, while we want motorcyclists in our state to ride safely, we also understand that safety is a two-way street. Drivers in other vehicles frequently are not on the lookout for motorcyclists and thus simply do not see them approaching. Motorcyclists have just as much of a right to share the road as anyone else. Drivers must have the proper experience and attentiveness to make sure that the motorcyclists with whom they share the road stay safe. This is true no matter the weather and road conditions, but drivers must pay special attention in bad weather or when on windy or poorly maintained roads.
Common injuries that skiers suffer
With ski season returning in a couple of months, many people who live in the Dillon area, as well as those who visit Colorado, are probably looking forward to hitting the ski slopes again after the long off season. Of course, as always, skiing is a risky sport, and there are some common injuries that some skiers will suffer while heading downhill this winter.
For example, torn ACLs are common skiing-related injuries. Especially since a person's feet are partially immobilized in the skis, a sudden twist or a fall can put a lot of force on a person's knee, and this force can, in turn, tear the ligaments. Torn ACLs will usually require knee surgery to fix and recovering from this surgery can take several months.
Statistics on fatal motorcycle accidents in Colorado
After reaching a high-water mark in 2016, the number of fatalities due to motorcycle accidents in Colorado has trailed off slightly over the last two years. According to official statistics, in both 2017 and 2018, there were 103 deaths to motorcycle riders reported in this state. Motorcycle accidents constituted about 16 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in both 2017 and 2018.
This year is, to this point, looking to be better than the recent average when it comes to fatal motorcycle accidents. Preliminary numbers from the first few months of this year indicate that only 13 people have died because of motorcycle accidents thus far. At this pace, there could be fewer than 100 motorcycle fatalities for the first time since 2014.
Man dies in Colorado skydiving accident
A man from the Denver area died in a skydiving accident while parachuting in the area of Boulder, which is about 90 minutes away from Dillon.
According to reports, the man for some reason wound up landing in a parking lot. He was transported to a nearby hospital after the incident, where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities say that the accident will be investigated by federal regulatory authorities. Local police did not want to discuss the case in further detail.
What is electric shock drowning?
In the summer, Colorado has a lot of lakes and rivers and other bodies of fresh water that both residents of the Denver area and visitors love to enjoy in the warmer weather of summer. People love to swim or wade in the water, and they may also enjoy various boating activities.
Unfortunately, swimming and boating do not always mix well at all. Obviously, a boat crashing in to a swimmer can be disastrous. However, there is also a hidden hazard that many may not think of right away.
Common mistakes skiers make on chairlifts
Even though most Colorado ski accidents happen when skiers go down the mountains, there have been incidents where they are hurt going up. Newcomers and people with a fear of heights can find chairlifts very intimidating as there aren’t as many restraints as you would find in a car seat or a theme park attraction. One malfunction or wrong move could result in a 25 foot drop that injures or kills you.
However, most skiers shouldn’t have to worry too much about falling from a chairlift breakdown. A study from the National Ski Areas Association reveals that 86 percent of chairlift falls are from rider error. Any incidents where a skier falls due to a malfunction still occur, but are few and far between. Both experienced and new skiers should instead focus more on their own personal chairlift safety precautions to avoid committing the following mistakes:
April 20 associated with increased accident risk
Particularly in a state like Colorado, where the recreational use of marijuana is legal, many people likely commemorated the past April 20 as the High Holiday. While still thought of as a countercultural celebration, many people, particularly young people, choose to smoke marijuana on April 20.
According to a relatively recent study, from April 2018, the holiday carries with it an increased risk for fatal motor vehicle accidents. Of course, it is too early to tell whether this trend held true for the past April 20.
Dog bite victims are often young children
National Dog Bite Prevention Weeks occurs in April. As such, this month is a good time to remind dog owners in Colorado to make sure that all people, particularly children, are safe around the family pet.
Particularly in a state full of animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, dogs are pretty common. Across the country, over 78 million domesticated dogs live with families, a total of 38 percent of all American households.
Motorcyclist seriously injured at intersection
A motorcyclist traveling in another city in Colorado that is south and west of Denver suffered what police described as serious injuries after being involved in a collision at an intersection.
While certainly additional investigation will be needed, police cited the driver of the pickup truck which collided with the motorcycle. The citation was for failing to yield while attempting a left turn.
