The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has started a new safety program, called “Live to Ride,” due to the rising number of motorcycle accident fatalities. According to CDOT, a record high of 90 deaths were recorded last year. This number has doubled in just over ten years. Since 2008 began, ten motorcycle deaths have been recorded in Colorado. CDOT estimates that, as of 2007, there are 157,000 registered motorcycle operators in the state. This obviously doesn’t take into account the number of unregistered riders who are still on the roads.
Sergeant Rich Munroe, supervisor for the Colorado State Patrol’s motorcycle team, states, “Most of the fatalities are men, and most are not wearing a helmet.” This mirrors statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There is currently no helmet law in Colorado except for riders and their passengers who are under 18-years-old. The reasons for more deaths also seem to be part of the trend we are seeing across the country: warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. What CDOT, and other groups, feel is missing is training.
Live to Ride
“Live to Ride” is a program focused on training, and encourages more riders to take a safety-training course through Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST). CDOT has been joined by insurance companies Allstate and Progressive who will offer discounts to those who complete the class.
In a 2006 survey conducted by CDOT, nearly all riders who responded knew that Colorado did not have a helmet law. And, though a majority of those severely injured or killed in accidents sustained head injuries, only about one-third of the respondents would support a helmet law.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact an injury lawyer in your area to see if you can file a claim.
