Colorado Motorcycle Fatalities Reach Record High

Motorcycle fatalities are on the rise in Colorado, doubling from 45 in 1995 to an all-time high of 90 deaths in 2007, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

In the past five years (2003-2007) in Colorado, 402 riders and passengers have been killed in motorcycle crashes. Of those riders, the majority (80 percent) were either not wearing a helmet or it was improperly used. The majority (88 percent) were men and 44 percent were age 45 or older. Alcohol was a factor in 35 percent of the fatal crashes, CDOT said.

“These statistics are very troubling,” said Pam Hutton, chief engineer and the governor’s representative for highway safety at CDOT. “While the number of motorcycle registrations in Colorado has increased, the rate of fatalities has accelerated at a faster pace. Most Coloradans, riders and motorists alike, believe one of the single best things one can do to reduce the number of fatalities is to be more aware and take a rider training class.”

Hutton said CDOT has launched a new motorcycle safety program, called “Live to Ride,” to encourage rider education and motorist awareness. The program focuses on training as the first step a rider can take to riding safer, and enjoying the ride longer for those experienced riders who have been riding for years. The department also has developed a new motorcycle safety Web site (www.comotor cyclesafety.com) to address rider and motorist safety issues, including riding under the influence, use of proper gear, and tips for motorists.

“We saw a record number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities on Colorado roadways last year, especially in Denver, El Paso and Adams counties,” said Sergeant Rich Munroe, supervisor for the Colorado State Patrol’s motorcycle team. “Many men think they’re invincible, but when they encounter unexpected road hazards, far too many of them are not experienced enough to handle these types of situations. Statistics show that training and helmet use can reduce the number of fatalities and reduce medical cost of injuries sustained.”

CDOT has partnered with organizations throughout the state to encourage more riders to take a motorcycle safety-training course offered by MOST-certified trainers. MOST stands for Motorcycle Operator Safety Training, and its mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost motorcycle training to residents and active-duty military personnel. The department has also partnered with insurance companies Allstate and Progressive to offer discounts for completing a MOST safety training class.

“Insurance companies have signed on as ‘Live to Ride’ campaign partners because they know many riders also care about the pocketbook advantages to safety training,” said Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. “Many insurance companies offer discounts of 10 to 15 percent for graduates of certified training courses.”