Motorcycle Safety During Road Construction Project

July 18, 2017 - STATEWIDE—Construction work on the Colorado Highway 67 Overlay Project began this week between Woodland Park and Westcreek, in addition work between Divide and Cripple Creek will start in late July. The project team would like to remind everyone to be aware that these areas are very popular with motorcyclists. Please be aware and follow the construction rules of the road.

There were 125 motorcycle fatalities in 2016—a 15 percent increase from the number of motorcycle fatalities in 2015 and a record all-time high for Colorado. Motorcycle deaths have been on the rise for the past few years with head injury as the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 1,630 lives were saved in 2013 because of proper helmet usage. Colorado does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets.

 The majority of motorcycle fatalities in 2016 occurred between the months of May and October, which is also prime road construction season in Colorado.

 Tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

  • Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.
  • Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane.
  • Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.
  • Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
  • Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
  • Allow more following distance - three or four seconds - when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
  • Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
  • Never drive while distracted.

Motorcyclists can increase their safety by:

  • Avoiding riding in poor weather conditions;
  • Wearing brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet;
  • Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it;
  • Combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves;
  • Using reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity;
  • Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers; and
  • Never driving while impaired.

The CO 67 construction overlay project in Teller and Douglas counties will take place during daylight hours at two work sites. Site A (Cripple Creek to Divide) is Monday through Thursday with no weekend work scheduled. Site B between Woodland Park and Westcreek will observe daylight hours Monday through Friday. There will be intermittent lane closures and short delays.

Project website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/co-67-overlay

Project hotline: 719-358-2444

Sign up for project updates by emailing: [email protected]  

PROJECT INFORMATION: A $10.4 million roadway overlay on Colorado Highway 67 between Divide to Cripple Creek and Woodland Park to Westcreek. The project is a resurfacing project and consists of paving, guardrail installation, bridge work, signing, and striping at two work sites. Estimated completion is planned for late 2017.

For updated project information, visit https://www.codot.gov/projects/co-67-overlay or call 719-358-2444. To be added to the database for receiving construction updates, send an email to: [email protected]

Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot. 

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