Are You a Boomer Looking to Get Back on Your Motorcycle or Just Learning to Ride? If So, Remember these Tips
A recent Wall Street Journal article examines the rise in motorcycle deaths for baby boomers. Here at McDivitt Law Firm we encourage the practice of safe driving by all motorists, including bikers, no matter how old. Over the years, we have seen all types of accidents which were not the fault of our clients. Therefore, we are providing some statistics and tips to help keep you safe the next time you hit the road.
Motorcycle Fatality Statistics
Of course age is not a barrier to getting outside and enjoying our great state of Colorado. So if you are getting back on your motorcycle, or just learning to ride, please keep in mind some troubling statistics for baby boomers discussed in the WSJ article cited above.
The article mentions that those between the ages of 55-64 accounted for 16.3% of motorcycle crash deaths in 2013. While in the early 1990s this age group only made up less than 3% of the motorcycle deaths.
This number has increased dramatically as the baby boomer population ages. While more active than generations before, boomers do not recover as easily from injuries in a motorcycle accident as someone in their twenties. As the body becomes more vulnerable with age, people cannot cope as easily with the force of impact sustained in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Motorcycle safety is important for all ages, and we encourage everyone to know the ins and outs of motorcycle safety before getting on a bike.
Follow these fundamental tips
Take a motorcycle safety course
Avoid bad weather
Wear the right gear and clothing
Ride within your ability
Avoid distractions
Always look twice
Wear a helmet!
For more information please see the National Highway and Safety Administration’s Motorcycle Safety manual.
Colorado Motorcycle Safety Courses
As stated above, training classes are a great idea even if you have been riding for years. To legally ride in Colorado, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your license. CDOT has a program approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation called MOST: Motorcycle Operator Safety Training that you can take in an area near year. Upon completion of the course you can get the required endorsement. Otherwise you can get the endorsement by passing a written exam and a riding test.
Colorado Helmet and Gear Laws
Colorado law requires motorcycle riders under the age of 18 to wear a DOT-approved helmet. The State does not require those 18 and older to wear a helmet. However, McDivitt Law Firm encourages that a helmet be worn at all times when on your bike. Additionally, Colorado law requires all riders and passengers to wear some form of protective eye gear. The best form is of course, from a visor on a helmet. Remember, have fun and ride safely!
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