Denver — (Dara Zeier) The Colorado Department of Transportation says motorcycle fatalities in our state reached a record high for the last 10 years in 2022 with 149 motorcyclists killed in Colorado last year.
CDOT said the following counties in our state had the most motorcycle deaths:
Of the motorcycle fatalities last year, 75 of them involved riders not wearing helmets, according to CDOT.
“Wearing a helmet can mean the difference between a minor injury and a catastrophic one,” said Darrell Lingk, director of the Highway Safety Office at CDOT. “A rider without a helmet is extremely vulnerable to a permanent or life-altering injury in a crash. So wear a helmet and other protective gear to make it home safely to your family.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that it’s important to choose the right helmet. You should find a helmet that fits correctly, check safety ratings and beware of unsafe helmets.
“While all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States are required to meet the federal standard and have the DOT certification label, there are online and brick-and-mortar retailers who sell what are known as “novelty helmets” that do not meet our safety standards. There are also fake DOT labels being sold to put on these unsafe helmets,” the NHTSA said.
With the summer riding season in full swing, it is important to be prepared, whether you ride a motorcycle or you drive any other type of vehicle on the road.
CDOT recommends drivers and motorcyclists alike keep the following tips in mind to reduce crashes:
“It only takes one mistake to result in tragedy,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Trained riders tend to be in fewer and less severe crashes. Make a commitment to follow traffic laws and ride with reduced risk by advancing your skills through training.”
If you are injured in a crash, contact our Denver motorcycle accident attorneys today. You will receive a free consultation with a trial attorney by calling 1-800-ATTORNEY.
