Drivers are reminded to look out for motorcyclists as part of a new campaign, after statistics revealed that biker deaths are up 24 percent in Colorado despite lower traffic volumes.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), which has launched Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month for May, says 26 motorcyclists died in the state up to May 7, five more than the same time last year, even though traffic volumes have decreased due to COVID-19.
As part of this month’s campaign CDOT is reminding drivers to:
- Allow extra space when following a motorcycle as they can stop and turn more quickly than other vehicles
- Allow motorcycles the full width of a lane at all times
- Use extra caution when turning left at an intersection as motorcycles can be hard to see at a distance
- Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic
- Never drive distracted or impaired
“Safety on Colorado roadways needs to remain of utmost importance during these challenging times,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Motorcyclists and motorists alike should be watching out for one another to keep our roadways safe.”
As counties in Colorado transition to Safer-at-Home orders, more vehicles, including motorcycles, are starting to return to Colorado roads.
In 2019, 103 motorcyclists were killed on roads in the state, which accounted for 17 percent of all roadway deaths for the year, despite motorcycles only making up three percent of vehicles on the road.
