What Does ‘Accident Alert’ Mean?

The nasty weather this morning had many Colorado cities on accident alert and with the snow kicking into high gear again, the afternoon commute could turn nasty again. (In fact, Loveland just went back on accident alert less than an hour ago.)

What, exactly, does 'accident alert mean?According to the Colorado State Patrol:

ACCIDENT ALERT" is defined as those times when weather conditions are so severe that State Troopers and Police Officers are unable to respond to the large volume of motor vehicle crashes. Accident Alert is initiated on a jurisdictional and geographical basis, in other words some cities may be on accident alert whereas others may not depending on how the weather conditions are affecting their area.

While accident alert is in effect, Troopers and or Police Officers will only respond if the following circumstances exist:

• Vehicles are disabled due to damage.
• Accident involves a fatality or an injury requiring medical attention.
• Alcohol or drugs are involved.
• Accident is an alleged hit and run.
• There is damage to public property other than wildlife, i.e. a highway stop sign.
• Any property damage accident in which the reporting party is not or has no contact with the driver(s).

If you are in an area that is under accident alert and get in a wreck that does not fall in one of that categories above here is what CSP says you need to do: Exchange information with the other driver(s) and file your accident as soon as possible. (I believe you have 4 days in Fort Collins?) You can file online, or at the police station with jurisdiction where your accident happened.

Now what 'information' should you swap? Names, addresses, telephone numbers, vehicle license plate numbers, and insurance information are the most pertinent.

Drive safe out there!

[Colorado State Patrol]