Last year, motorcycle accidents caused more than a third of El Paso County’s traffic deaths. So far in 2012, six of Colorado’s 49 motorcycle deaths happened in El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs.

In order to prevent motorcycle accidents over the past Labor Day weekend, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) launched two motorcycle safety campaigns in El Paso County.

The first, called “Don’t Ruin the Ride,” attempted to crack down on drunk driving motorcycle accidents. CDOT officials say that drinking and riding is more dangerous than drinking and driving since alcohol can affect the rider’s balance.

The second, called “Look Twice,” urged motorists to keep an eye out for bikers before making a turn or changing lanes.

Officials targeted El Paso County because it had the highest number of motorcycle deaths last year, and motorists caused many of those deaths. While bikers are responsible for 80 percent of motorcycle fatalities across the state, drivers caused half of the fatal motorcycle accidents in El Paso County in 2011.

“We recognize that while motorcycle riders are often at fault, drivers of other vehicles need to also share responsibility and become more vigilant about noting their surrounding when driving, especially with regard to motorcycles,” said Sergeant Rob Kelley with the Colorado Springs Police Department. “We recently lost one of our own officers who was riding his motorcycle and was struck by an unassuming driver who did not see him.”

We blogged previously about Matt Tyner, the Colorado Springs police officer who died in a motorcycle crash. If you know someone who passed away or suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident, talk to us to learn about your options and the law. Call us at (866) 377-3800 to schedule a consultation.

Metier Law Firm, LLC – Denver injury lawyers