Colorado State Patrol Urges Drivers to Move Vehicles After Minor Crashes to Prevent Secondary Accidents

Description: Colorado State Patrol reminds drivers that after minor crashes without injuries or impairment, vehicles should be moved out of traffic to prevent secondary accidents, reduce congestion, and improve roadway safety. Read the full Press release from Colorado State Patrol...

Property Damage Only? Move It for Safety

Colorado Drivers can clear the roadway after minor crashes

(Colorado) — The Colorado State Patrol is reminding motorists that remaining stopped in active traffic lanes after a minor crash is dangerous and often unnecessary. Colorado law allows drivers involved in minor crashes to move their vehicles to the shoulder or to the nearest suitable location, out of traffic, as soon as it is safe to do so.

What is a minor crash?

Colorado defines a minor crash as an incident without serious injuries, fatalities, or suspected impairment.

Colorado is a no-fault state, meaning drivers do not need to wait in a traffic lane for law enforcement to arrive and determine fault following a minor crash. By moving vehicles to the closest, safe location, motorists can prevent secondary crashes, reduce congestion, and protect themselves, tow operators, and first responders.

"Our primary goal in moving the involved vehicles is not about convenience, but safety," explained Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "We want to avoid a secondary crash and the risk posed to every person at that scene from oncoming drivers."

In both 2024 and 2025, Colorado State Patrol troopers were struck by vehicles while directing traffic or covering crashes on Colorado roadways. Eleven troopers were hit in 2024, and ten more were struck in 2025. These incidents highlight the very real danger created when crashes or disabled vehicles remain in active travel lanes.

"Every minute a roadway remains blocked increases the risk to motorists, first responders, and anyone working to keep traffic moving safely," stated Chief Packard. "Drivers can help reduce this risk by moving their vehicles out of traffic after minor crashes when it is safe to do so. Clearing the roadway helps prevent secondary crashes and protects the lives of those responding to help."

If you are involved in a minor crash, where no one is seriously injured, and impairment is not suspected, follow these steps:

1. Turn on hazard lights

2. Move your vehicle out of traffic as soon as it is safe

3. Get yourself to a safe location

4. Contact law enforcement once you are clear of the roadway

Once vehicles are relocated, motorists should provide law enforcement with a description of the vehicles involved and the location to which they have been moved.

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