Starting on May 4, non-essential businesses across Colorado were allowed to begin reopening following weeks of nationwide shutdowns caused by the spread of COVID-19. This is phase two of Colorado’s state-wide reopening plan, Safer at Home, which aims to refuel the local economy while keeping residents safe. Though people are still encouraged to remain in their homes as much as possible to prevent the pandemic from worsening, most offices and other public venues are now operational at some capacity, albeit with safety precautions in place.
May also happens to be Motorcycle Safety Month. As businesses start to reopen and more and more people venture out, road traffic has also started to increase, including the presence of motorcycles. We suggest exercising an extra amount of caution while driving in Colorado over the next few weeks in order to do your part in preventing serious and fatal motorcycle accidents, especially for the following reasons.
Warm Weather Entices Motorcyclists
There are always more motorcycles on the road during the warmest months of the year. Colorado’s winters are harsh enough that most bikers put away their rides until the spring. Because people have been more cooped up than usual over the last couple of months, it is likely that now that restrictions are being lifted, numerous bikers will take the opportunity to mount their motorcycles and take to the open road.
Motorists Often Forget to Look Out for Bikers
Unfortunately, motorists often forget to watch out for motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller than most road vehicles, which can make them tough to spot until it’s too late. This is why many motorcycle accidents involve a car crashing into a bike, not the other way around.
Not only are motorcyclists much more likely to be hit by a car than vice versa, but they are also far more at risk for catastrophic injury and death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13 out of 100,000 cars are involved in a fatal accident each year whereas motorcycles have a fatality rate of 72 per 100,000.
We strongly advise both bikers and motorists to drive carefully and defensively this Motorcycle Safety Month and every month. Now, more than ever, we all have to look out for each other.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a motorcycle accident in Colorado? Our Littleton motorcycle accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We represent injured motorcyclists throughout the entire state of Colorado and are willing to travel to you wherever you are. Contact us today at (720) 815-4402 or online to schedule your free consultation.