Media post: Why Truck Accidents in Mountainous Regions like Denver are More Dangerous?

If you live in Denver, chances are you enjoy getting up to the mountains on the weekends. The beauty is unmatched, with awe-inspiring views as far as the eye can see. However, the roads that lead you there are paved with danger, especially when navigating them alongside large trucks.

Your weekend escape to the mountains can quickly take a tragic turn if you wind up in a truck accident. Mountain roads pose various hazards—with or without trucks—compared to roads in flat areas.

What Contributes to a Greater Risk for Truck Accidents on Denver Mountain Roads?

Accident rates are higher on mountain roads, especially truck accidents. Here is a look at the multiple factors that increase your risk for truck crashes when you drive into the mountains.

Winding Mountain Roads

To create roads through the mountains, they must wind around these ranges. This creates deep curves and switchbacks that can suddenly appear. You must watch your speed as you traverse these areas to navigate them safely. 

With winding roads, you must keep a safe distance following distance and avoid making wide turns that could put you into oncoming traffic. When big trucks are coming from the opposite direction, disaster can result in a crash.

Narrow Shoulders

Along with the tight curves, most mountain roads have limited shoulder space. This gives you little in the way of a margin for error. If you need to stop, it can put you in greater danger of a truck crash.

Limited Visibility

In addition to the roads in the mountains being tricky to drive as-is, weather conditions may further add to the complexity of driving them. Snow, fog, or dust storms can drastically reduce your visibility, making it nearly impossible to see what’s ahead. You must drive slowly and make sure your headlights are on to help light the way.

Strong Wind Gusts

Up in the mountains, strong and unpredictable gusts of wind are also a factor. Even a large truck can sway or be blown off course due to these heavy winds. When the winds are strong, you must take extra care to avoid becoming a statistic in a truck accident.

Treacherous Terrain

Mountain roads also have uneven, bumpy terrain and steep elevations. These factors can also contribute to truck accidents, even for experienced truck drivers.

How to Avoid Truck Accidents in Denver’s Mountainous Regions

There are many potential dangers as you take on Denver’s mountain roads, though taking the right steps to prevent a truck accident will significantly reduce your risks.

Plan Well

Always research your specific route to know the challenges you’ll face with tight turns and other difficulties. Watch the weather alerts and prepare for any rapid changes that could make your drive more dangerous. It also helps to pack for any emergency with a first aid kit, water, rations, layers of clothing, and a flashlight.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Keeping your vehicle maintained is important no matter where you’re driving. However, when you’re driving up into the mountains, knowing it’s roadworthy will give you added peace of mind. Make sure your tires are capable of the current season to give you the grip you need.

Leave Extra Space

Never get too close to the vehicle in front of you while you’re on the mountain roads. If they stop suddenly, you’ll have enough room to stop safely without veering into oncoming traffic.

Use Headlights

Using your headlights, even in the daylight, improves your visibility. This is especially important when semi-trucks are on the road. You’ll see better and they will see you coming. Make sure you don’t use your high beams, though, as it can impede other drivers from seeing.

Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is bad on any road, and the split second you take to text, eat, or fiddle with the radio could leave you vulnerable to a motor vehicle accident. Mountain roads are difficult enough, and when you add large trucks to the mix, you don’t want to take your attention away from this task. Keep your focus on the road ahead to keep you and any passengers safe.

What to Do If You Get Into a Truck Accident in the Mountains?

Truck accidents are the most terrifying of all motor vehicle accidents because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier. Even at low speeds, they can cause significant damage and injuries. 

When you’re up in the mountains and a truck accident happens, despite how frightening it is, you must do your best to stay calm. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries, and be sure to call 911. 

Since truck accidents usually result in injuries, make sure you receive medical treatment, even if you don’t see blood or can walk on your own. Many injuries may be masked by your adrenaline, and they may worsen into life-threatening conditions when ignored. 

You should get photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damage done to your vehicle and the surrounding conditions of the road and weather. If other drivers stopped to check on you, ask them for their contact information and a statement if they saw the accident occur.

One of the most important steps is to contact a truck accident attorney, especially if you were severely injured and couldn’t get the evidence needed. With a semi accident lawyer, Denver residents who are hurt in truck accidents while driving through the mountains can have an advocate who fights for their legal rights.

If you were driving safely on Denver mountain roads and you were in a truck accident, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries and other financial losses. Discussing with a lawyer will help you to determine if you have a valid case.