Motorcycle fatalities spike in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS — Final yr at this time, there were being 22 fatal car crashes. This 12 months there have been 25 lethal crashes – 13 of people have involved motorcycles.

The most latest crash, on July 1, took place at the intersection of Powers Boulevard and Aeroplaza Push.

The Colorado Division of Transporation (CDOT) reported there is a cause bike crashes often take place at roadway intersections.

“When you’re pulling out into an intersection, you are hunting for cars and trucks, you’re not essentially seeking for a modest bike,” mentioned Sam Cole, CDOT Website traffic Protection Manager. “So, constantly be aware that there could be bikes [coming] in. In reality, we see a whole lot of motorbike deaths occur at intersections just due to the fact drivers really don’t see them. So suggestions for drivers, test your blind places two times.”

CDOT advises drivers to look at blind spots multiple moments – and for motorcyclists to guard on their own as a lot as achievable – in advance of hitting the street.

“For motorcyclists, hold your speeds down, often have on protecting equipment, such as helmets, in no way experience impaired,” claimed Cole. “It’s most likely a great time to boost your training. There are all sorts of instruction systems in the condition that can maximize your expertise when it arrives to using safely and securely.”

In Colorado, motorcyclists more mature than 18 are not expected to dress in helmets. A lot more data on bike legal guidelines can be uncovered on the CDOT web page.

The Colorado Springs Police Office suggests a single of its objectives is to minimize the selection of these crashes. CSPD is partnering with neighborhood corporations that promote motorcycles to boost and teach motorcycle drivers.

“We’re performing public training. We’re placing out factors on social media routinely as a community schooling portion of that,” reported Robert Tornabene, CSPD Civilian Public Information and facts Officer. “And then upcoming we’re doing specific enforcement in regions the place we have witnessed velocity linked or fatality linked accidents.”

CDOT claims awareness is particularly critical during the summer time months, when far more motorcycles are likely to be on the roads.