The majority of motorcycle accidents in Colorado consistently occur in counties with major urban centers, like El Paso, Jefferson, and Denver. Motorcycles lack the physical protection of passenger vehicles, leaving bikers exposed and at risk of serious injury after a collision. From traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries to severe bone fractures and internal organ damage, your health is at stake every time you mount up.
Per miles driven, motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than motorists in passenger vehicles to die in a traffic collision. Read on for safety tips from a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm.
In Colorado, you need an M endorsement on your driver’s license to ride a motorcycle legally. You must pass a written test, vision test, driver’s record review, and skills test at a State Driver’s License Office or certified third-party tester. Or, you could get a license waiver card by passing the Colorado State Patrol’s Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) course.
In the Denver metro area, you can sign up for a MOST course at the following locations:
Protective riding gear is common for dirt bike enthusiasts, but it is just as essential for street motorcyclists. By law, Colorado bikers must wear appropriate goggles or protective eyewear.
Helmets are not required in Colorado for riders under 18. However, they cut the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%.
Even if you opt to ride lidless with the wind in your hair, do wear motorcycle jackets, pants, gloves and boots. Wear bright, reflective gear if you’re riding at night, and consider adding hearing protection to your set of safety gear. Remember to toss some rainwear in your saddle bags, too, as using the right appeal enhances safety and comfort while riding.
One of the most important components of motorcycle safety is the pre-ride inspection. Before hitting the road, even for a quick trip to the corner store, it is essential to check your bike. The essential factors on a pre-inspection checklist include:
Even the most dedicated rider could miss a thing or two on their pre-ride inspections. So, be prepared for the inevitable. Knowing how to respond to equipment failures, like blowouts, a stuck throttle, or a broken clutch cable could help prevent accidents and keep you safe.
Pay attention to what other drivers are doing. Learn where blind spots are on cars and large trucks so that you can maneuver safely. One common road awareness and safety strategy includes implementing the SEE (Search, Evaluate, Execute) system for heightened road awareness. Use this technique to enhance your ability to see others on the road, especially at dangerous intersections.
You’re less visible to other drivers no matter where you’re riding. Be especially careful when making a left turn in front of oncoming cars. Left-turn collisions account for more than 40 percent of all automobile-motorcycle crashes in Colorado. Drivers frequently turn directly into an oncoming rider’s path, misjudging their speed and distance. Both riders and drivers must exercise extreme caution at intersections and always yield the right-of-way.
Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles, alongside specific regulations regarding licensing, protective gear, and lane filtering. Under specific conditions, lane filtering is legal in Colorado. You are permitted to pass between stopped cars on the left if traffic is at a complete stop, the lane is wide enough to pass safely, and your speed is 15 mph or less. Just remember that lane splitting (passing moving traffic) is still illegal in our state.
If you are carrying a passenger, your motorcycle must be equipped with passenger footrests. Riding on the gas tank or handlebars is strictly prohibited. So, only allow passengers to ride behind you on the seat or in a sidecar.
Motorcycle riders are uniquely vulnerable to life-altering trauma when collisions do occur. Our safety guide gives you a strategic advantage, as it provides actionable, life-saving advice you should use to avoid riding habits that lead to crashes.
If you have questions about a motorcycle accident with severe injuries, reach out to our team for help managing your insurance claim. The Wilhite Law Firm is the oldest legal office in the area for a reason: We win. So do not risk a denial or lowball offer. Reach out to our office to set up your free consultation.
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