Lakewood Car Accident: A Comprehensive Guide to Safety, Statistics, and Support

In the bustling city of Lakewood, Colorado, car accidents remain a significant concern for residents and local authorities alike. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of car accidents in Lakewood, providing valuable insights into statistics, causes, emergency responses, and support systems available to victims. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, understanding the landscape of road safety in Lakewood is crucial for navigating the city’s streets safely and being prepared in case of an unfortunate incident.

The State of Car Accidents in Lakewood

Lakewood, with its population of approximately 156,000, represents about 3.1% of Colorado’s total population. Interestingly, the city experiences a proportionally lower rate of traffic collisions and fatal accidents compared to the rest of the state. In fact, only 2.7% of Colorado’s traffic collisions and 2.4% of its fatal accidents occur within Lakewood’s boundaries. This statistic suggests that Lakewood’s roads may be relatively safer than those in other parts of the state, but it doesn’t mean that accidents don’t happen.

Recent Incidents

To understand the current situation, let’s look at some recent car accidents that have occurred in Lakewood:

1. Kosher Eatery Crash: On December 9, 2024, a car crashed through a popular kosher eatery in Lakewood. This incident serves as a stark reminder that accidents can happen anywhere, even in unexpected places.
2. Multi-Car Crash on I-70: A significant multi-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 70 in Lakewood on November 6, 2024. This incident temporarily closed the eastbound lanes, causing substantial traffic disruptions.
3. Fatal School Bus Collision: In a tragic turn of events, a school bus collided with a car in Lakewood on September 27, 2024. The collision resulted in the death of a woman who was struck on the sidewalk while riding her bicycle.
4. Hit-and-Run on Interstate 5: A devastating hit-and-run crash on southbound Interstate 5 in Lakewood claimed the lives of three individuals on April 15, 2024.

These recent incidents highlight the diverse nature of car accidents in Lakewood, ranging from single-vehicle crashes to multi-car collisions and, tragically, fatal accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Lakewood Car Accident Statistics

To gain a deeper understanding of the car accident landscape in Lakewood, let’s examine the statistics from 2022, the most recent year for which comprehensive data is available.

Overall Accident Numbers

In 2022, Lakewood recorded a total of 2,936 car accidents. This number encompasses a wide range of incident types, including:

• 627 single-vehicle accidents
• 58 collisions with pedestrians
• 36 collisions with bicycles
• 2,215 collisions between two or more motor vehicles

These numbers provide a snapshot of the diverse nature of accidents occurring on Lakewood’s roads. It’s particularly noteworthy that the vast majority of accidents (75.4%) involved collisions between multiple vehicles, highlighting the importance of defensive driving and awareness of other road users.

Types of Vehicle Collisions

Within the category of multi-vehicle collisions, several specific types of incidents stand out:

• 95 crashes involved at least one semi-truck, delivery truck, or work truck
• 71 collisions involved automobiles and motorcycles
• 49 crashes involved at least one transit bus, private motorcoach, or school bus

These statistics underscore the variety of vehicles involved in accidents and the unique challenges posed by different vehicle types on the road.

Accident Outcomes

The outcomes of these accidents varied in severity:

• 13 fatal crashes
• 538 non-fatal injury crashes
• 1,660 property damage-only crashes

In terms of human impact, these incidents resulted in:

• 13 fatalities
• 74 serious injuries
• 275 minor injuries
• 522 possible injuries

It’s sobering to note that approximately 13.8% of drivers and passengers involved in car accidents in Lakewood in 2022 suffered injury or death. This statistic emphasizes the potential for serious consequences in any car accident, no matter how minor it may initially seem.

Vulnerable Road Users

A particularly concerning aspect of Lakewood’s accident statistics relates to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. In 2022, there were 94 collisions involving bicycles or pedestrians, affecting 106 vulnerable road users:

• 58 pedestrians
• 38 cyclists on human-powered bicycles
• 2 cyclists on e-bikes
• 7 riders of scooters and other personal conveyances
• 1 wheelchair occupant

The outcomes for these vulnerable road users were particularly severe:

• 4 fatal injuries
• 16 serious injuries
• 42 minor injuries
• 31 possible injuries

Alarmingly, over 87.7% of these vulnerable road users suffered injury or death, highlighting the disproportionate risk faced by pedestrians and cyclists in traffic incidents.

Causes of Car Accidents in Lakewood

Understanding the causes of car accidents is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. In Lakewood, several key factors contribute to the occurrence of traffic collisions.

Rear-End Collisions

The most common type of crash in Lakewood is the rear-end collision, accounting for nearly 44% of all crashes. These accidents are often caused by:

• Distracted driving: 430 crashes were attributed to distraction behind the wheel.
• Tailgating: 171 crashes resulted from following too closely.
• Speeding: 143 crashes were caused by excessive speed.

These statistics highlight the importance of maintaining focus while driving, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and adhering to speed limits.

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, are the second most common type of accident in Lakewood, making up 33.6% of crashes. These often occur at intersections and are typically caused by:

• Failing to yield the right of way
• Disobeying traffic signals
• Unsafe turns

The high prevalence of these accidents underscores the need for caution at intersections and strict adherence to traffic rules.

Intoxicated Driving

Intoxicated driving remains a significant issue in Lakewood. In 2022, 559 crashes involved suspected intoxication, including:

• 210 drivers charged with DUI
• 244 drivers suspected of alcohol impairment
• 47 drivers suspected of cannabis impairment
• 58 drivers suspected of impairment due to drugs

Of particular concern is the increase in cannabis-related crashes over the past three years, highlighting the need for increased awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of any substance, including marijuana.

Dangerous Times and Locations

Understanding when and where accidents are most likely to occur can help drivers take extra precautions during high-risk periods and in problematic areas.

Peak Accident Times

In Lakewood, crash numbers peak during weekday commutes, particularly between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday. Weekends see fewer crashes, with a small peak in the late afternoon. This pattern suggests that drivers should be especially vigilant during these high-traffic periods.

High-Injury Roads

Several roads in Lakewood have been identified as high-injury corridors, known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents:

• US-6/6th Ave. Freeway
• US-40/I-70 BUS/Colfax Ave.
• Alameda Ave.
• Sheridan Blvd.
• Wadsworth Blvd.
• Mississippi Ave.
• Florida Ave.
• Jewell Ave.

Drivers should exercise extra caution when traveling on these roads, being aware of their increased risk for accidents.

Emergency Services and Response

In the event of a car accident in Lakewood, knowing how to access emergency services quickly is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:

Emergency Contact Information

• For all emergencies, including car accidents, call 911 immediately.
• For non-emergency situations, the Lakewood Police Department can be reached at 303-980-7300, available 24/7.

Jeffcom 911

Lakewood is served by Jeffcom 911, the dispatch communications center for Jefferson County. This center coordinates with local fire, police, and emergency medical service providers to ensure that appropriate responders are dispatched quickly to accident scenes.

Legal Procedures and Victim Support

After a car accident, victims may need to navigate various legal procedures and seek support. Lakewood offers several resources to assist in these processes.

Protection Orders

In cases where a car accident leads to criminal charges, a judge may issue a protection order to prevent the defendant from contacting the victim. Civil protection orders can also be obtained through the county court, and municipal protection orders are available in domestic violence cases.

Victim Assistance Unit

The Lakewood Police Department’s Victim Assistance Unit provides comprehensive support services to victims of crime, including those affected by car accidents. This unit offers:

• Emotional support
• Physical assistance
• Financial support
• Help with applying for Crime Victim Compensation
• Referrals for long-term support

The unit is staffed by both volunteer and full-time advocates available 24/7, ensuring that victims can access support whenever they need it.

Community Support

Lakewood’s Community Action Team (CAT) works on crime prevention and community resource referrals, focusing on issues such as homelessness and mental illness that may indirectly contribute to road safety issues.

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

The Crisis Intervention Team is trained to de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing personal crises or mental health issues. While not directly related to car accidents, this team’s work can contribute to overall road safety by addressing underlying issues that may lead to dangerous driving behaviors.

Support Groups and Community Initiatives

Recovering from a car accident can be a challenging process, both physically and emotionally. Lakewood and the surrounding area offer various support groups and community initiatives to help accident victims and their families.

Support Groups for Road Accident Victims

Strong networks of support groups are available for road accident victims and their families. These groups provide a space for individuals to share experiences and receive emotional support, which is crucial for coping with the aftermath of road accidents.

Spinal Cord Injury Support

For those who have suffered spinal cord injuries as a result of car accidents, dedicated support groups focus on helping individuals maintain their health and fitness. These groups address common health issues related to spinal cord injuries and provide a community for sharing resources and support.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support

TBI support groups offer emotional support to patients and their families, helping individuals tackle the challenges of living with a traumatic brain injury, which can often result from severe car accidents.

Trends and Future Outlook

While the number of car crashes in Lakewood has increased by 69% over the past 20 years, this increase is offset by a 131% increase in population during the same period. When adjusted for population growth, the accident rate per person has actually decreased by 26%. This trend suggests that despite the growing population, Lakewood has made progress in improving road safety.

However, challenges remain, particularly concerning vulnerable road users and intoxicated driving. The city is actively working on infrastructure improvements to enhance safety for all road users.

Conclusion

Car accidents in Lakewood, while less frequent than in other parts of Colorado, remain a significant concern for residents and local authorities. By understanding the statistics, causes, and available resources, individuals can better protect themselves and know where to turn for help if an accident occurs.

Remember, road safety is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, driving defensively, and supporting community initiatives, we can all contribute to making Lakewood’s roads safer for everyone. Whether you’re a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, your actions can make a difference in preventing accidents and saving lives.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Lakewood, don’t hesitate to reach out to the available support services. From emergency response to long-term recovery support, Lakewood offers a range of resources to help accident victims navigate the challenging aftermath of a collision.

Stay safe on the roads, Lakewood!