Last year saw an alarming spike in the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in the state of Colorado. According to statistics from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), 125 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2016, a 15 percent increase over the year before.
There has been a steady increase in motorcycle fatalities over the past several years in the state. In 2012, 16.7 percent of the total vehicle fatalities in the state were motorcyclists. Last year, that percent was 20.6. Out of approximately 120,000 vehicle crashes last year, almost 2,400 were motorcycle accidents.
As motorcycling becomes more popular, the risk of more victims also increases. Over the past four years, the number of motorcycles registered in the state has gone from about 184,000 to 194,000.
In response to the number of motorcycle crashes, the CDOT is trying to raise awareness and is offering training classes for motorcyclists. Two of the most common causes of these accidents is the lack of bike handling skills and distracted driving. The state has declared distracted driving an epidemic, causing more than 40 motor vehicle accidents in the state every single day.
Many motorcyclists are frustrated with the attitude of other vehicle drivers on the road and an apparent lack of consideration for the motorcyclists’ safety. Several motorcycle advocacy groups have formed in the state to help educate other drivers that they are sharing the road with motorcycles.
Last month, one of those groups, BikerDown, held a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Day, complete with signs reminding vehicle drivers to “Look Twice, Save a Life.” The non-profit organization helps injured motorcyclists and their families recover after a bike crash, providing resources like wheelchair accessibility, therapy, financial management, and funeral processions.
Not only is it important for motorcyclists to follow the rules of the road and drive defensively, but it is also necessary for all vehicle drivers to respect the fact that we all share the road and to be aware that their inconsiderate driving behaviors can actually kill someone.
Attorney Amy Gaiennie spoke about the increase in motorcycle fatalities in the state, commenting, “Not only is it important for motorcyclists to follow the rules of the road and drive defensively, but it is also necessary for all vehicle drivers to respect the fact that we all share the road and to be aware that their inconsiderate driving behaviors can actually kill someone.”
