DENVER, CO – A comprehensive analysis by Fuller Personal Injury Law has revealed surprising trends in Denver’s 2024 car crash data — most notably, that Tuesdays saw more crashes than any other day of the week, making them the most dangerous day to drive in the city.
According to crash data from the Colorado Department of Transportation, 15,256 accidents occurred within Denver city limits last year — an average of nearly 42 crashes every day. While most incidents involved only property damage, the consequences were often far more serious: 3,841 crashes caused injuries, affecting over 5,100 people, and 54 crashes were fatal, resulting in 55 lives lost.
Crashes Peaked on Tuesdays and in Late Summer
The most dangerous day to be behind the wheel in Denver in 2024 was Tuesday, which saw 2,506 crashes — nearly 800 more than the safest day, Sunday. This midweek spike, combined with high volumes on Thursdays (2,374) and Fridays (2,354), highlights the risk of weekday commuting and business-related driving.
In terms of the calendar, August topped the list with 1,450 crashes, followed closely by October (1,430) and September (1,402). These late summer and early fall peaks align with Denver’s tourism season, back-to-school traffic, and longer daylight hours that keep people on the road later into the evening.
By contrast, December had the fewest crashes (995), possibly due to fewer drivers on the road during winter weather or holiday travel outside the metro area.
Most Crashes Happened in “Good” Conditions
Perhaps most surprisingly, clear weather and dry roads were involved in the overwhelming majority of crashes. More than 85% of all crashes happened in clear weather, and over 90% occurred on dry pavement. Despite the common belief that snow, ice, or rain are the most dangerous conditions, the data shows that crashes are far more likely when conditions appear safe.
“This data challenges the assumption that bad weather is the biggest danger,” said John Fuller, founder of Fuller Personal Injury Law. “In reality, it’s the routine, everyday drives — often in perfect conditions — where people let their guard down.”
City Streets Carry the Highest Risk
Contrary to what some might believe, city streets — not highways — are where most crashes happen. In 2024, 61.1% of Denver crashes occurred on local streets, compared to 21% on state highways and 17.4% on interstates. With frequent intersections, crosswalks, and sudden stops, urban roads present a dense and unpredictable driving environment.
Additionally, the report found that rear-end and left-turn crashes were among the most common collision types, indicating the ongoing risks of heavy traffic flow, distraction, and aggressive maneuvers at intersections.
Distraction and Inattention Still Major Contributors
Human error remained the leading cause of crashes. After cases marked with “no apparent contributing factor,” the most common behaviors reported were:
“Looked but did not see” – 1,768 crashes (7.3%)
Distraction (interior and exterior) – 1,410 crashes (5.9%)
Aggressive driving – 1,037 crashes (4.3%)
Driver inexperience or unfamiliarity with the area – 801 crashes combined
These patterns suggest a need for greater public awareness around focus and patience behind the wheel — especially on familiar routes where drivers may be overly relaxed or distracted by routine.
A Legal and Safety Reminder for Denver Drivers
In the aftermath of a crash, it’s crucial for drivers to know their rights under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence laws. If you’re found to be less than 50% at fault for a crash, you may still recover damages — but your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. That’s why it’s so important to document the scene thoroughly, seek prompt medical attention, and avoid settling with insurers before understanding your options.
“This report isn’t just about numbers — it’s about making Denver’s roads safer and helping victims recover what they deserve,” said Fuller. “The more we understand where and why these crashes are happening, the more we can do to prevent them.”
Read the Full Study
The complete analysis includes breakdowns by time of day, lighting conditions, vehicle types, and other contributing factors that can help drivers understand the full scope of crash risks in Denver.
You can find the full study here: https://personalinjuryco.com/2024-denver-car-crash-statistics/
Media ContactCompany Name: Fuller Personal Injury LawContact Person: John FullerEmail: Send EmailPhone: (720) 770-3832Address:1580 N Lincoln St Ste 200City: DenverState: ColoradoCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://personalinjuryco.com/
