The Dangers of Commuting: Analysis of the leading causes of car accidents

In this project, I explored the serious risks associated with commuting in Colorado, particularly the alarming rates of distracted driving and how they correlate with car accidents. I delved into Boulder County's crash data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) from 1999 to 2020. My goal was to uncover insights into common accident types, peak crash times, seasonal trends, and the effects of impairment and weather conditions on driving safety.

What I discovered was startling: rear-end collisions, primarily due to distracted driving, are the most frequent type of accident. I found that 5 PM is the most dangerous time to be on the road, with October being the month with the highest crash rates. One of the most concerning trends I uncovered was that impaired driving incidents spiked at 5 PM, suggesting that many drivers might be drinking after work. Weather conditions also emerged as a significant factor, with rain and snow contributing to higher injury rates in accidents.

This exploration made me acutely aware of the critical importance of road safety. The data serves as a potent reminder that we must all take proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with driving. I hope that by sharing these insights, I can help raise awareness and encourage safer driving habits.