CDOT and Governor’s Office Proclaim – Colorado Motorcyclist Memorial Day

 

 

 

DENVER – Each year after Colorado’s snowy winters, the warm summer days entice motorcycle riders to the roadways. However, taking to the roads has become more dangerous for motorcyclists in recent years. In 2018, 103 motorcycle riders lost their lives in Colorado. So far this year, 65 motorcyclists have been killed, compared to 60 at this time last year.

Monday, August 12th, 2019, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP), victims and motorcycle riders gathered at CDOT headquarters in Denver to remember the 103 motorcyclists killed in 2018 and to raise awareness about motorcycle safety.  A display of 103 motorcycle helmets provided a visual representation of the lives lost.

Governor Jared Polis issued a proclamation designating August 12th Colorado Motorcyclist Memorial Day.

“Today we speak for the ones who can’t be with us,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “If you’re in a car or on a motorcycle, we want everyone traveling on Colorado’s roads to be watchful and safe.”

The event was attended by victims or their families who shared stories about their crashes firsthand. Christi Vigil lost her father in a motorcycle crash, and Christina Hope was seriously injured following a motorcycle crash in 2017.

“Colorado State Patrol witnesses motorcycle crashes that could be prevented on our roads every day,” said Col. Matthew Packard, CSP chief. “With the increasing number of distractions on our roadways, we need each person being safe and looking twice for motorcycles.”

From 2012 to 2018, motorcyclist fatalities have increased 30%. In 2018, motorcyclist fatalities were nearly 16% of all traffic fatalities in Colorado. Motorcycle fatalities reached a peak of 125 deaths in 2016.

With motorcycle rider fatalities up 8% compared to this same time last year, CDOT urges drivers to be more aware of motorcycles.

Over the next few weeks, CDOT will take to social media to remind motorists of these tips. CDOT will also be posting safety messages on its digital message boards over Colorado’s roadways. Last year, CDOT highlighted how much can get lost in a blind spot, including an entire jet, small apartment and more.

This year’s campaign is part of CDOT’s Whole System – Whole Safety campaign which aims to reduce fatalities and injuries and “Bring everyone home safely.”

 

 

 

 

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