Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur in Fort Collins?

College Avenue & Harmony Road:

This intersection is one of the busiest in Fort Collins, with heavy traffic throughout the day. The complexity of the intersection, with multiple lanes and turn signals, increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly during rush hours.

College Avenue & Mulberry Street:

Another major intersection, College Avenue & Mulberry Street, sees a high traffic volume, especially with its proximity to downtown Fort Collins. The convergence of vehicles from multiple directions can lead to side-impact collisions, rear-end accidents, and pedestrian-related incidents.

Timberline Road & Harmony Road:

The intersection of Timberline Road and Harmony Road is another area where accidents are frequent. The mix of residential, commercial, and commuter traffic contributes to driving challenges when passing through this intersection.

Interstate 25 (I-25):

I-25 runs along the eastern edge of Fort Collins and is a major thoroughfare for local and long-distance traffic. Accidents on this interstate often involve higher speeds, leading to more severe outcomes. The on- and off-ramps, particularly near Harmony Road and Mulberry Street, are common sites for collisions, especially during peak travel times.

College Avenue (U.S. Route 287):

As one of the main north-south arteries through Fort Collins, College Avenue is heavily trafficked. The road passes through both commercial and residential areas, leading to a mix of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. The high volume of traffic, frequent stops, and pedestrian crossings add to the high accident rate on this road.

Harmony Road:

Serving as a key east-west route in Fort Collins, Harmony Road experiences heavy traffic, particularly during morning and evening commutes. The road’s wide lanes, high speed limits, and numerous intersections make it a common location for both minor and major accidents.

Residential Streets Near Schools:

Areas around schools, such as those near Fort Collins High School and Rocky Mountain High School, see an increase in traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times. Drivers in these areas may be distracted or in a hurry, leading to a higher risk of accidents. Additionally, the presence of children and school buses adds to the complexity of these zones.

Neighborhood Streets:

While neighborhood streets are generally safer than major roadways, they are not immune to accidents. Speeding, failure to yield, and distracted driving are common causes of accidents in residential areas. Streets with high pedestrian activity, such as those near parks or community centers, are particularly vulnerable.

Shopping Centers:

Areas like the Front Range Village Shopping Center and the Foothills Mall are often filled with shoppers, particularly on weekends and holidays. The high volume of vehicles entering and exiting parking spaces and pedestrian traffic creates a ripe environment for fender benders and other minor collisions.

Grocery Store Parking Lots:

Grocery stores such as King Soopers and Safeway have parking lots with constant daily traffic. The frequent movement of vehicles in and out of parking spaces, combined with pedestrian activity, leads to a higher incidence of low-speed accidents.

Bridges and Overpasses:

Bridges and overpasses, such as those on Mulberry Street and Harmony Road, are prone to icing over in winter. These icy conditions can catch drivers off guard, leading to skidding and loss of control, which can result in accidents.

Hilly Areas:

The foothills west of Fort Collins can be treacherous during winter storms. Roads like Overland Trail and West Drake Road have steep grades that become particularly hazardous when covered in snow or ice, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

Open Roads:

Open stretches of road, such as those on the outskirts of Fort Collins, can be particularly dangerous during high winds and snowstorms. Blowing snow can reduce visibility, and strong winds can cause vehicles to drift into other lanes, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Downtown Fort Collins:

The downtown area is a hub of activity, with numerous pedestrians and cyclists sharing the road with vehicles. Streets like Mountain Avenue and College Avenue see frequent cyclist and pedestrian traffic, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly at busy intersections and crosswalks.

Mason Street Corridor:

The Mason Street Corridor is a popular route for cyclists, but it also runs parallel to the MAX bus rapid transit line. The proximity of buses, cars, and bikes increases the complexity of navigating this area, leading to more accidents involving cyclists.

Trails and Pathways:

Fort Collins has an extensive network of trails and pathways used by cyclists and pedestrians alike. Accidents can occur when cyclists transition from trails to roadways, particularly at intersections where drivers may not expect them.

Major Road Projects:

Ongoing road construction projects on Harmony Road, Shields Street, and Lemay Avenue often lead to changes in traffic flow, creating confusion and increasing the risk of accidents. Reduced speed limits, lane closures, and detours are common in these areas, requiring drivers to be extra cautious.

New Development Areas:

As Fort Collins grows, new residential and commercial developments often bring temporary construction zones. These areas can be hazardous, particularly if drivers are unfamiliar with the changes in the road layout.

County Roads:

Roads like County Road 19 and County Road 38E see less traffic but are more dangerous due to higher speed limits and lack of traffic signals. Accidents on these roads often involve single vehicles losing control or collisions at intersections with poor visibility.

Highway 287:

Stretching from Fort Collins to Laramie, Wyoming, Highway 287 is a major route that sees a mix of local and long-distance traffic. The highway’s open stretches can lead to speeding, and its rural sections are prone to wildlife crossings, both of which increase the risk of accidents.

Bar Districts:

Areas with a high concentration of bars and nightlife, such as Old Town Fort Collins, see more drunk driving incidents, particularly during late-night hours. The combination of alcohol consumption and nighttime driving conditions creates a higher risk of serious accidents.

Poorly Lit Roads:

Some roads in Fort Collins, particularly those in more rural or residential areas, have inadequate street lighting. Poor visibility can lead to accidents, particularly in areas with sharp curves or intersections.