Fatalities in motorcycle accidents peak on Colorado roads

Motorcyclists have long been at a disadvantage on Colorado roadways. Even the most experienced riders who are equipped with the necessary safety equipment can be seriously injured or even killed by negligent drivers. As fatalities related to motorcycle accidents reached a recent peak, the Colorado Department of Transportation is doing its best to raise awareness to the issue.

Statistically, motorcycles represent only 3 percent of vehicles on Colorado roads. Despite this minority, motorcycle riders make up 20 percent of all accident-related fatalities. In 2015, a total of 106 fatalities stemmed from motorcycle accidents, an enormous 20 percent increase from motorcycle deaths in the year 2013. Although there does not appear to be a clear cause for the sudden rise in deaths, CDOT hopes to make a dent in that number by encouraging drivers to be more aware of their surroundings.

One longtime motorcycle rider pointed out that most drivers fail to take note of motorcycles on the road. Most drivers, he claims, simply look for large motor vehicles and completely overlook anything smaller than a standard rectangular car. That motorcyclist in particular has survived one accident in the past, while another survived three separate hit-and-run accidents in 2015 alone. Most motorcyclists who survive such accidents are aware of how lucky they are compared to some others.

Curbing fatalities in motorcycle accidents is a significant priority for the Colorado Department of Transportation, but there is worry among officials as summer approaches. With more motorcycles hitting the road during warmer months of the year, it is unclear if CDOTs campaigns will have any kind of effect before then. Families who have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents understand just how devastating the impact can be. Left with the emotional fallout and financial burden of unexpected end-of-life costs, most surviving family members can address these issues through wrongful death claims. Filed against a negligent driver, successfully navigating a claim such as this typically produces necessary legal recourse for grieving families.

Source: kdvr.com, “Motorcycle deaths on Colorado roads hit all-time high in 2015“, Tammy Vigil, May 4, 2016