How Distracted Driving Causes Serious Crashes in Colorado Springs

Why Distracted Driving Is a Growing Problem in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs drivers face busy roads, fast-changing traffic patterns, and growing congestion. Unfortunately, distracted driving has become one of the biggest causes of serious crashes in the region. Whether it happens on I-25, Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, or neighborhood streets, a moment of inattention is all it takes for a life-altering collision to occur. Many drivers underestimate how dangerous distractions can be until it is too late.

Even small tasks, such as adjusting the radio or glancing at a notification, can pull a driver’s attention from the road long enough for conditions to change. Pedestrians step into crosswalks, traffic slows, lights turn red, or another vehicle merges unexpectedly. When drivers are distracted, they simply cannot respond quickly enough. That is why distracted driving crashes often lead to severe injuries that affect victims for months or years.

The Most Common Types of Distracted Driving in Colorado Springs

Distracted driving is more than texting. It includes anything that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind away from operating the vehicle safely. Colorado Springs police regularly report crashes caused by drivers who never intended to take their eyes off the road but did anyway. Understanding these distraction types can help you spot dangerous behavior and avoid it in your own vehicle.

Here are the three major categories of distractions that contribute to crashes throughout the city:

• Visual distractions: Looking at a phone, GPS, passengers, scenery, or dropped items.
• Manual distractions: Eating, drinking, grooming, reaching for objects, or adjusting the dashboard.
• Cognitive distractions: Daydreaming, stress, talking, or thinking about something other than driving.

Smartphones are still the biggest problem. Even hands-free devices can pull focus away from traffic for several seconds, and at 40 or 50 miles per hour, those seconds could mean traveling the length of a football field without fully concentrating on the road. Distracted driving has become so widespread that many drivers assume it is harmless, but crash data shows otherwise.

How Distracted Driving Leads to Serious Injuries

Distracted driving often leads to more severe injuries than other types of collisions. When drivers are not paying attention, they are less likely to brake before impact. That means rear-end crashes, T-bone collisions, and pedestrian impacts happen at higher speeds and with greater force. Victims frequently suffer long-term injuries that disrupt their lives and their ability to work.

Some of the most common injuries resulting from distracted driving crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Sudden impacts can cause concussions or more serious brain trauma even when airbags deploy.
• Spinal injuries: The force of impact may lead to herniated discs or permanent nerve damage.
• Broken bones: Fractures are common when drivers or passengers are jolted forward unexpectedly.
• Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, torn ligaments, and muscle injuries often develop after the crash.
• Psychological trauma: Many victims experience anxiety, sleep issues, or post-crash stress.

Medical treatment for these injuries can be expensive and long-term. Victims may need surgery, physical therapy, pain management, and ongoing recovery time. When another driver’s distraction causes this harm, the injured person should not be left to handle the financial and emotional consequences alone.

How to Protect Yourself from Distracted Drivers

You can be a responsible driver and still face danger from others who are not paying attention. Colorado Springs has seen an increase in preventable crashes caused by drivers who were texting, eating, looking down, or adjusting their navigation systems. While you cannot eliminate all risks, you can take steps to reduce the chances of being injured by a distracted driver.

Consider taking these precautions on busy Colorado Springs roads:

• Increase following distance: More space gives you more time to react if the driver ahead suddenly brakes.
• Watch for drifting vehicles: Swerving or inconsistent speeds often indicate distracted driving.
• Avoid driving next to distracted drivers: If you notice someone using their phone, try to move ahead or fall back safely.
• Stay alert in intersections: Many distracted drivers fail to notice changing lights.
• Pull over if stressed or tired: Mental distractions can be just as dangerous as texting.

Even careful drivers cannot control what others do behind the wheel. If a distracted driver hits you, documenting the scene, collecting witness statements, and contacting an attorney quickly can help protect your rights.

How Pribila & Fields Helps Distracted Driving Accident Victims

When a distracted driver causes a crash, the victim is often left with injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. At Pribila & Fields, we work with injured clients throughout Colorado Springs, helping them understand their rights and build a strong case for compensation. Our team knows the signs of distracted driving and understands how to gather the evidence needed to show what really happened.

Whether you were hurt in a rear-end collision, intersection crash, or pedestrian incident, our car accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, emotional distress, and long-term impacts. We make sure insurance companies take your injuries seriously and do not minimize the harm caused by a distracted driver.

Talk to a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer After a Distracted Driving Crash

If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you do not have to handle the process alone. We are here to help you understand your options, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Distracted driving is preventable, and when someone chooses to take their eyes off the road, they should be held accountable.

If you would like to discuss your case or learn more about your rights, please contact us today so we can help you take the next step forward.