Knowing the Rules of the Road May Help Avoid an Accident in Colorado

At Donaldson Law, LLC, our car accident attorneys in Denver understand the challenges of overcoming injuries sustained in a traffic collision, and how difficult it can be to get your life back on track.

We also understand that it is impossible to plan around the behaviors of negligent drivers who share our roadways, but it is possible to be proactive while driving by following a few simple rules of the road that may help you avoid a crash.

Here are a few of the lesser-known rules to help you stay safe behind the wheel in Colorado.

Roundabout Etiquette

Colorado was an early adopter of roundabouts, placing our state well-ahead of the rest of the country in circular traffic control configurations that are now popular nearly everywhere.

Now commonplace, roundabouts still cause some confusion, especially for new drivers.

For roundabouts with multiple lanes, it is important to enter when the traffic is clear and maintain a position in the lane that fits your exit. For a quarter-turn, enter the roundabout from the right lane, stay in the lane, and exit accordingly. If your turn is half or three-quarters around, travel in the left lane until you reach your turn, then exit from the right lane.

Use your turn signals in the same way as any other intersection, so other drivers know when you are exiting the roundabout.

Yielding the Right of Way

Every driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist, and pedestrian must do everything possible to avoid a crash, which typically involves yielding the right of way to another person or motorist who is sharing the road.

When you yield the right of way to another vehicle, you are letting them go before you in the traffic situation, making it something you give, not take.

Common times motorists should yield the right of way include:

• At a yield sign
• To pedestrians in a crosswalk
• When turning left
• At ‘T’ intersections, as traffic continues on the through road
• At uncontrolled intersections
• When returning to the roadway after the car is parked

Yielding the right of way is often more than a courtesy, but a way to keep everyone safe on our roadways. Drivers should attempt to be both courteous and conscientious toward other drivers and avoid any aggressive maneuvers to force their way into traffic.

Avoiding Aggressive Drivers

If all drivers followed the rules of the road, there would be fewer accidents throughout the country. Unfortunately, distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving occur every day, on every roadway.

When faced with these dangerous and negligent aggressive drivers, you should:

• Do not challenge that driver
• Ignore rude gestures
• Avoid eye contact
• Attempt to get out of his/her way

If you have been injured in a collision that was caused by a negligent driver, contact our personal injury attorneys in Denver, Colorado at Donaldson Law, LLC by calling 303-458-5000 or contact us online to schedule a free confidential consultation.