Colo. Safety Campaign Raises Motorcycle Awareness

With Colorado’s motorcycle crashes up 58% over the past four years, the state’s Department of Transportation is responding with a special safety campaign designed to remind motorists to watch for motorcyclists.

The Colorado DOT wrapped a small fleet of Groove Auto courtesy vehicles in graphics urging drivers to check their blind spots for motorcyclists. Additionally, the Denver auto dealership has placed mirror-hanger safety campaign materials in its showroom vehicles.

The motorcycle safety campaign, which runs through the end of September, also includes truck side billboards, radio spots and online ads.

In 2016, motorcyclist fatalities hit an all-time high of 125 deaths in the state, according to the Colorado DOT. Though motorcycles represent just 3% of registered vehicles on the road, motorcyclist fatalities account for more than 20% of all road deaths.

“With 72 motorcycle fatalities thus far this year, it’s imperative that drivers make the extra effort to check their surroundings and watch for motorcycles,” said Sam Cole, CDOT communications manager of traffic safety. “Motorcycles are less stable than passenger vehicles and provide no protection in a crash, which makes them very vulnerable on roadways.”