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Top reasons Colorado Springs motorcycle accidents occur

Motorcycle accidents in Colorado are increasing in number and severity statwide and across the nation. The statistics are astonishing. The most recent numbers from the Colorado State Patrol show that there were 49 Colorado motorcycle deaths in 1994, but increased to 87 motorcycle fatalities in 2005 statewide. According to these facts, motorcycle fatalities have almost doubled over the past ten years.

Of the 87 motorcyclists who were killed in Colorado in 2005, over 76 percent of these deaths were the result of not wearing a helmet. Not only are motorcycle deaths increasing, but injuries are on the rise as well. Over that same time span, there were 1,582 injuries reported in 1994 compared to 1,899 motorcycle injuries in 2004.

Not only do the figures show Colorado motorcycle deaths and injuries increasing, but the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has also stated that 4,315 motorcyclists died in 2005, which was a 7.7 percent increase from 2004 nationwide. Even more alarming is the fact that motorcycle deaths have increased 104 percent from 1997 to 2005, and injuries of motorcycle riders increased 37 percent from 1995 to 2005, according to the DOT.

Some of the main reasons that injuries and death continue to increase in motorcycle drivers in Colorado and across the nation is due to several top factors, including:

• Speeding – When a motorcyclist is speeding there is a higher chance for the bike to lose control and for another driver on the road to not see the bike.

• No helmet use – When a motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet, severe injuries or death increase because the head is not protected. Head trauma and brain injury can be prevented with the use of a helmet.

• Bad road conditions – Potholes and road debris can cause a tire blowout and lead to a motorcycle crash. Motorcyclists should watch for poor road conditions and slow down over loose gravel and uneven roads to help prevent a Colorado Springs motorcycle crash.

• Poor visibility and weather conditions – A motorcyclist should try not to drive in snow, ice or rain as these poor weather conditions make it dangerous to operate a motorcycle safely. Also, a motorcyclist shouldn’t operate a bike in heavy fog because of the lack of visibility.

• Maintenance and mechanical failure – A motorcyclist should always check their tire pressure and wear of their tires before they ride their bike. Regular maintenance is recommended in order to help prevent motorcycle accidents in Colorado Springs.

• Alcohol and drugs – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law. It can be very dangerous and harmful to the motorcyclist as well as other drivers as the operator’s state of mind is altered.

The Law Offices of Robert J. Anderson has represented injured motorcycle riders for nearly 30 years. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a Colorado Springs motorcycle crash, contact us at (866) 254-1274 and have an experienced Colorado Springs accident attorney review your case and provide you with a free consultation. We represent victims of car and motorcycle accidents throughout Colorado Springs, Denver, Pueblo, Canyon City, Fountain, Castle Rock, Woodland Park, and Cripple Creek.