“Very dangerous year” in El Paso County; motorcycle deaths highest in the state

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – CDOT reports this is a “very dangerous year” in El Paso County as motorcycle fatalities are the highest in the state.

CDOT has recorded its 100th motorcycle death so far this year. To put into perspective, there were about 100 deaths in the entire year of 2019.

There have been about 17 deaths in El Paso County to date, nearly doubling the next highest counties of Jefferson and Adams, each with 9 deaths.

“That’s an indication that there’s a huge problem with motorcycle riding and motorcycle deaths in El Paso County,” said Sam Cole of CDOT.

CDOT believes because less people were out on the roads during the height of the pandemic, motorcyclists might have driven more carelessly or sped on open roads.

“Even since people have gotten back on the road, we’re starting to see even more motorcycle deaths so that’s an indication there’s a lot of careless riding going on by the motorcyclists and a lot of careless driving going on by motorists,” said Cole.

CDOT recommends to always check blind spots, don’t follow too close behind motorcycles and always look twice when pulling out into an intersection, or making lane changes.

If you look twice, it could save a life.