The 100 deadliest days of summer is the well-known time between Memorial Day and Labor Day where law enforcement sees an increase in traffic crashes and fatalities. July frequently ends up being the peak month for various crash types investigated by Colorado troopers, including those involving motorcycles.
This year is no exception. Troopers investigated 135 fatal crashes from Jan. 1 through July 16, and 15.5 percent (21) of those involved a motorcycle. But when the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) isolated just the first two weeks of July, the percentages more than doubled, with 16 fatal crashes and 37.5 percent (6) of those involving a motorcycle.
“Riding a motorcycle comes with greater risk than driving a car or truck due to the lack of safety features, including airbags and seat belts. Riders are simply more vulnerable,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the CSP. “This underscores the responsibility that every rider must assume for their own safety. Receiving ongoing training, wearing protective gear and adhering to the rules of the road — these are the necessary steps for every rider.”
Colorado offers some of the American West’s most scenic and popular motorcycle rides, including routes like the San Juan Skyway National Scenic Byway and Santa Fe Trail.
Due to the increase in riders during the warmer weather months, the Southwest District of the CSP began to track serious injuries and fatal motorcycle crashes at the beginning of the riding season (April/May) this year.
The Southwest District encompasses Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel counties.
From Jan. 1 to July 17, troopers in District 5 responded to and investigated 18 serious injury or fatal crashes involving a motorcycle. Most riders were from Colorado, but not always from the region.
Sixty-one percent of the riders did have an endorsement and also wore a helmet.
“It’s not the number of years you’ve owned a motorcycle that builds mastery; it’s the actual time spent learning how to control, corner, emergency brake and practice evasive maneuvers,” stated Packard. “Advanced motorcycle courses are a fantastic way to learn the best techniques without building bad habits while increasing skills to help you enjoy the ride.”
Mountain riding also comes with some common hazards. Here are what riders riding on our Western Slope should watch for during their ride:
• Blind corners with sheer rock faces next to the road.
• Narrow shoulders or no shoulder at all with sharp drop-offs.
• Rocks, gravel and other debris from snow melt.
• Switchbacks and tight corners with little preparation time.
• Congestion from RVs and vehicles towing boats and ATVs.
• Potholes, bumps and weather-damaged surfaces.
• Wildlife.
