After a Record Year, Motorcycle Deaths Are Down 18% in Colorado

Last year, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) saw 140 motorcycle fatalities in Colorado — the highest ever recorded in the state.

Thankfully, this year is looking more promising. According to a press release from CDOT, motorcycle deaths are down 18%. So far, there have only been 59 motorcycle fatalities in 2021, compared to 72 at this time last year.

The agency is hoping to further this positive trend with the launch of a new campaign: Some Things are Hard to See. Starting on Wednesday (July 21), the initiative aims to spread awareness about how difficult it is to spot motorcycles on the road.

Get our free mobile app

Motorcyclists are particularly at risk when turning left at intersections, where 't-bone' crashes are common.

"Every one of these motorcycle crashes could have been prevented," said Darrel Lingk, CDOT's Office of Transportation Safety Director, in the release. "Taking a moment to check blind spots and using extra caution when pulling into an intersection can be the difference between life and death for a motorcyclist."

In order to prevent motorcycle deaths, the agency recommends practicing the following:

• When following a motorcyclist, give them extra space.
• Do not encroach on the lane of a motorcyclist.
• Take precautions when turning left at an intersection.
• Look for motorcyclists when turning, changing lanes, or merging.
• Do not drive distracted or impaired.

CDOT is also encouraging motorcyclists to prioritize their own safety by wearing a helmet, following the speed limit, donning the proper gear, and taking care of other riders on the road.

In 2020, Larimer and Weld counties saw a total of 17 motorcycle fatalities. Learn more about motorcycle safety here.