Colorado Trucking Accident Statistics
Colorado ranks 17th nationally in large truck crash fatalities, recording approximately 94 deaths annually. I-70 through the Rocky Mountains is one of the most dangerous freight corridors in the United States, with the Eisenhower Tunnel (at 11,013 feet elevation), Vail Pass, and Glenwood Canyon presenting extreme challenges for commercial truck operators. Runaway truck incidents, brake failures, and weather-related crashes occur regularly on Colorado's mountain passes.
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Colorado ranks 17th nationally — 94 people die in large truck crashes every year, driven by I-70's mountain corridor — one of the most dangerous freight routes in the U.S.
The Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 at 11,013 feet elevation is the highest point on the U.S. Interstate Highway System, creating extreme conditions for commercial vehicles.
26% of Colorado commercial vehicle crashes are mountain or weather-related — the highest mountain-related crash percentage of any state.
5-Year Trend (2019–2023)
Source: FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts
| Year | Fatal Crashes | Fatalities | Injury Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 81 | 89 | 3,900 |
| 2020 | 79 | 86 | 3,600 |
| 2021 | 89 | 97 | 4,000 |
| 2022 | 87 | 95 | 4,100 |
| 2023 | 86 | 94 | 4,200 |
Data: FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts, NHTSA FARS
Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors in Colorado
Annual commercial vehicle crash estimates — source: state DOT and FMCSA data
Top Contributing Factors in Colorado
Colorado's mountain passes create extreme conditions for commercial vehicles, with brake failures and runaway truck incidents occurring regularly on I-70.
Rural sections of I-25 and I-76 see elevated speeding-related commercial vehicle crashes.
Long-haul mountain routes contribute to above-average fatigue rates in Colorado.
Brake failures on mountain grades of I-70 are a significant contributing factor in Colorado truck crashes.
Source: FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts, state DOT reports. Percentages represent share of fatal crashes where factor was cited.
Key Facts for Colorado
- Colorado ranks #17 nationally in large truck crash fatalities
- I-70 through the Rockies is one of the most dangerous freight corridors in the United States
- The Eisenhower Tunnel at 11,013 feet is the highest point on the U.S. Interstate System
- Colorado uses modified comparative fault — you can recover if less than 51% at fault
- Colorado's 3-year statute of limitations applies
- CDOT has mandatory chain laws and truck restrictions on I-70 mountain passes
Colorado Legal Quick Reference
Evidence in trucking cases — including black box data, ELD records, and driver logs — can be destroyed within days. Contact a Colorado trucking accident attorney immediately after an accident.
Find a Colorado Trucking Accident Attorney
Browse our directory of experienced trucking accident attorneys across Colorado's major cities. All attorneys listed focus specifically on commercial trucking accident cases.
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Colorado records thousands of large truck crashes annually. The FMCSA's Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts reports provide annual state-level data. Our directory covers 0 cities in Colorado with 0 attorney profiles to help victims find qualified legal representation.