Colorado Motorcyclist Fatalities Surge this Summer

STATEWIDE—To date, there have been 58 motorcyclist deaths in Colorado this year, nearly a 14 percent increase over this time last year when 51 deaths had been recorded, according to preliminary data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Of those 58 motorcyclists killed, 34 were not wearing helmets.

In 2015, motorcyclist fatalities hit an all-time high in Colorado with 105 deaths. A report published by the Governor's Highway Safety Association suggests this increase is a problem faced nationwide; motorcyclist fatalities in the United States for 2015 have increased by an estimated 10 percent over 2014.

CDOT is responding with a new safety campaign targeting drivers. The campaign features outreach on social media depicting motorcyclists in unusual disguises, acknowledging that while they may be hard to spot, they are not hiding from drivers. Safety messages have also been placed on gas pumps at gas stations, on radio stations and safety cards to be distributed throughout the state. The social awareness campaign launched this week and runs through Labor Day delivering an important safety message—"Look twice for motorcycles"—during peak riding season and throughout the year.

"This is a growing and alarming problem, not just here in Colorado, but nationwide," said Sam Cole, CDOT communications manager of Traffic Safety. "A problem in which everyone—both riders and drivers—need to help combat."

Earlier this year CDOT launched a motorcycle safety campaign encouraging riders to participate in motorcycle safety training courses. Using slogans such as "Live Free, Die Old" and "Train for the Wind, Before You Ride Like It," the awareness campaign targeted young males, who tend to be over represented in motorcycle crash data.

With many motorcyclists hitting the road this weekend, CDOT is urging motorcyclists and drivers alike to use extra caution. Additional information available at COMotorcycleSafety.com.