- Colorado motorcycle deaths reached a record high in 2024, increasing 57% since 2015.
- CDOT emphasizes the importance of helmets, noting they are a key factor in preventing motorcycle fatalities.
- Drivers should also be mindful of Colorado’s new lane filtering law, which allows motorcyclists to pass between stopped vehicles under specific conditions.
- Both motorcyclists and drivers are urged to avoid distractions, obey traffic laws, and never operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Amid a significant uptick in motorcycle deaths on Colorado roadways over the past decade, the Colorado Department of Transportation and Pueblo law enforcement are warning drivers and motorcyclists to stay alert and safe on the road this summer.
“Summer is the deadliest season for motorcyclists,” Pueblo police officials said in a recent X post. “They face a 28x higher risk of death in crashes than car occupants. With motorcycle fatalities at an all-time high in Colorado, let’s stay alert and prevent tragedies on the road!”
Pueblo motorcyclist recently killed by alleged drunk driver
The warning comes after a Pueblo motorcyclist was killed when a suspected drunk driver hit his motorcycle near the intersection of Northern and Routt avenues the night of May 8.
Police charged Christina Herrera, 48, with vehicular homicide — DUI, after hitting 75-year-old David Lucero, who died at a Colorado Springs hospital in the early hours of May 9.
Police say Herrera submitted to a breathalyzer test, which showed a blood alcohol content of .119% — well over the .08% limit for driving under the influence under Colorado state law.
Motorcycle deaths increased by 57% in Colorado over past decade
A total of 165 motorcyclists were killed in 2024, according to a recent news release from CDOT. That was the highest number ever recorded in Colorado history. Since 2015, motorcyclist deaths have increased by 57%.
Motorcyclist fatalities accounted for 24% of all traffic deaths in the state last year, despite only 3% of vehicles on the road being motorcycles.
However, motorcycle deaths in 2025 are down 20% from Jan. 1 to April 30 in 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
Of the 165 motorcyclists killed in 2024, 73 (44%) were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
To prevent motorcycle deaths, CDOT recommends that motorcyclists always wear helmets.
“Helmets remain the primary countermeasure to reduce serious injury and motorcycle fatalities,” CDOT officials said in the release.
“National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data estimates that helmets saved 1,872 motorcyclists’ lives in 2017, and that 749 more lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn their helmets.”
Drivers of cars and trucks are also advised to use caution around motorcycles.
Intersections are particularly dangerous since drivers can fail to see oncoming motorcycles, according to CDOT.
“Both drivers and riders should always observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit, always drive and ride sober, and avoid distractions,” CDOT officials said in the release.
As with other types of vehicle collisions, speed and alcohol are large contributing factors in motorcycle crashes; 20% of Colorado’s motorcycle fatalities in 2024 involved impairment, according to CDOT.
“The negative impact of alcohol and drugs, including certain prescribed medications, on judgment, coordination, and alertness are well-documented, posing significant risks to motorcycle riders,” according to the release.
“Even in a state of full alertness, it’s impossible to predict the actions of other vehicles or pedestrians,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “This is why it’s imperative to ride sober, avoid distractions, stay focused, and abide by all traffic laws.”
CSP: Drivers should be aware of new lane filtering law
To protect motorcyclists, Colorado drivers should also be aware of the new lane filtering law, which was passed in 2024.
According to CSP, for motorcycle riders to lane filter correctly, they must follow these rules:
- If a rider wants to pass, traffic must be at a complete stop.
- The lane must be wide enough to fit the vehicle and motorcycle while passing.
- The motorcycle must go 15 mph or less.
- The rider must pass safely and control the motorcycle.
- The rider must pass on the left and not enter the oncoming traffic lane.
Lane splitting remains illegal. For more information on lane filtering, visit codot.gov/safety/motorcycle/lanefiltering.
Driver and motorcycle safety tips from CDOT
According to CDOT, motorcyclists and other vehicles should follow these tips to avoid motorcycle-involved crashes:
- Observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit.
- Always drive and ride sober. Even one drink can affect you.
- Avoid distractions such as phones or anything else that takes your eyes off the road.
- Yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections.
- Wear high-visibility personal protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets. Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet.
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
