Motorcycle crashes and fatalities are on the rise this summer in Colorado.
This year, 15.5% of the fatal crashes statewide have involved motorcycles, according to Colorado State Patrol. In the first two weeks of July, that statistic jumped to 37.5%.
In 2022, motorcycle deaths reached an all-time high, accounting for 20% of the state’s total traffic deaths.
Southwest Colorado is a hub for motorcyclists, which also makes it a hot spot for crashes. Colorado State Patrol District 5, which includes Southwest Colorado and much of the Western Slope, tracks several factors in crashes that involve serious injury or death.
This year, CSP found that at least 72% of riders involved in regional crashes were from Colorado, 61% had an endorsement (a motorcycle specific license) and 55% wore a helmet.
Riders over the age of 18 are not required to wear a helmet in Colorado, but they are required to obtain an endorsement in conjunction with their driver’s license.
“While a helmet is not in the law, it is encouraged,” said Colorado State Patrol Capt. Angela DeGuelle.
She encourages riders, even experienced riders, to take safety classes.
Of the 18 regional crashes that have resulted in serious injury or death this year, seven occurred when a rider failed to negotiate a curve or a lane. In four of the crashes, the rider simply lost control of the vehicle as a result of high speeds or obstacles.
“Riding a motorcycle comes with greater risk than driving a car or truck due to the lack of safety features, including air bags and seat belts,” said Colonel Matthew C. Packard, chief of the CSP, in a news release. “Riders are simply more vulnerable.”
The State Patrol advises riders to be on the lookout for blind corners, narrow shoulders, switchbacks, debris, congestion, potholes and wildlife in their path of travel.
The CSP’s Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) program offers a variety of resources including safety courses and skill-rating maps to help motorcyclists plan safe routes.
