Motorcycle Rider & Injury Statistics in Colorado
Motorcycle riding is fun warm-weather pastime enjoyed by people of all ages. Done safely and within the confines of traffic rules and regulations, motorcycle riding poses no more danger than operating a car or truck. However, motorcycles provide less protection from serious injury if you’re ever in an accident. If you live in a state that doesn’t require helmets, like Colorado, your risk of sustaining a serious head injury is much higher. Whether you’re the injured or a party responsible for causing an accident that injured or killed a motorcyclist, having an experienced and capable Colorado personal injury attorney is a must.
Motorcycle Accident & Injury Statistics
Motorcycle fatalities have declined nationwide and in Colorado, however, the numbers are still too high:
- 4,462 riders died in crashes nationwide in 2009, down from 5,312 fatalities in 2008 and ending an 11-year streak of continuously increasing numbers.
- In 2009, 90,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes nationwide, down 6.3% from 2008.
- In 2010, Colorado reported 72 riders and 10 passengers killed in motorcycle crashes, a decline from 88 in 2009 and 98 in 2008.
- Of the fatalities in 2010, one third of the operators had no motorcycle endorsements on their driver’s license.
- Two-thirds of motorcyclists killed in Colorado did not wear a helmet.
- In 2010, a motorcyclist was at fault in seven out of ten fatal crashes in Colorado.
- 90,000 cyclists were injured in crashes nationwide in 2009, a decline of 6.3 percent from 2008.
- According to the NHTSA, speeding was the contributing factor in 35% of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2008, compared with 23% for passenger car drivers, 19% for light truck drivers and 8% for large truck drivers.
- In 2010, 56% of the fatal crashes in Colorado involved only the motorcycle.
- In 2008, the likelihood of riders to die in a motorcycle crash per vehicle mile was 39 times more than occupants in a car, according to the NHSTA. The likelihood of riders to sustain injury in a motorcycle crash was 8 times greater than occupants in a car.
Laws Pertaining to Motorcyclists in Denver Colorado
Motorcyclists are bound by the same laws as all other drivers, and motorcycles must meet minimum safety standards:
- Colorado does not require riders and passengers over 18 to wear a helmet. Riders and passengers under 18 are prohibited from riding with a DOT-approved helmet.
- All riders and passengers must wear some form of eye protection, i.e., eyeglasses with plastic or safety glass lenses or goggles. The best eye protection is a helmet visor. Motorcycle windshields are not considered adequate eye protection.
- Motorcycles must have passenger footrests and must be used by passengers. Motorcycles must also have at least one rear-view mirror.
- Passengers may ride on the seat behind or to the side of the operator (in a side car). Passengers may not ride on the seat in front of the operator.
- Passing or overtaking vehicles is illegal. Lane sharing or splitting is prohibited. Motorcyclists can share lanes.
- You cannot attach your motorcycle to another vehicle.
Colorado has no mandatory turn signal requirements or handlebar height restrictions. Cyclists are required to be subject to random safety inspections.
Why Retain a Colorado Personal Injury Attorney?
Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can have lasting, permanent effects on your physical and mental health. In addition to serious head or brain injuries, a rider involved in a motorcycle accident may sustain serious leg and spinal cord injuries that could prevent him from going back to work and living a normal life. You will want to have experienced, seasoned Colorado personal injury attorneys like those at the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C., fighting on your behalf to get your fair and just compensation for your pain and suffering. You can contact the firm for a free initial consultation to discuss your claim and get advice on the best course of action for you.
