The Colorado Department of Transportation is taking part in Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by launching its own initiative called Ride Wise. As part of a campaign to target older riders with a lot of experience on motorcycles but little safety training, Ride Wise will offer motorcycle safety training courses across the state.

Courses will cover topics that include riding sober and wearing gear that can help increase visibility. Ride Wise will use Colorado motorcyclists, including some that have been in motorcycle accidents, to explain the importance of riding safely. In addition to educational materials, roadside billboards and newspaper ads will promote motorcycle safety training.

Why would the courses target older riders? A recent study by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation found that older riders are the most at risk for being hurt or killed in motorcycle accidents. According to the data, men ages 55 to 64 accounted for 16.3 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2013, higher than any other demographic. Some of the deaths were attributed to factors such as poorer eyesight and slower reflexes.

Ride Wise will in part focus on finding ways to help older motorcyclists ride safely. The training courses will help with skills such as braking, counter steering and cornering.

How Will Ride Wise Contribute to Motorcycle Safety?

Motorcycle accidents that are not fatal can end with survivors sustaining a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. Staying safe means accepting good advice from experienced individuals, but it also takes practice. Safety training courses can continue to serve as a good avenue for helping riders avoid motorcycle accidents.

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