Driver killed after car clips semi on I-25

An Aurora man was killed Wednesday on Interstate 25 in Douglas County after he apparently tried to pass in front of a semi but clipped the truck instead.

David M. Harford, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident happened shortly before 10:54 a.m., in the southbound lanes of I-25 at mile post 175. Harford was driving a 1991 Toyota SR5 in the left lane behind a 1999 Freightliner tractor-trailer, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

Troopers said Harford apparently accelerated and moved to the right lane, cutting off another vehicle in the process but making no contact with it. He continued to accelerate while in the right lane and attempted to move into the left lane again, in front of the Freightliner.

Instead, the Toyota's left rear struck the right front of the semi, causing the car to spin counterclockwise as it went off the left side of the road and onto the center median.

The car crashed into the cable safety barrier before rolling a number of times, ejecting the driver. Harford was not wearing his seat belt, troopers said.

The driver of the semi, Oliver R. Harvey, 37, of Colorado Springs, was unhurt. He was wearing his seat belt.

Alcohol, drugs and speed are not considered factors in the crash, the State Patrol said.

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