Tools

'Don't Ruin The Ride' Campaign Promotes Motorcycle Safety

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Sep 1, 2012 at 10:47 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 1, 2012 at 11:32 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Labor Day weekend is bringing out more motorcyclists than normal, and the Colorado Department of Transportation wants to alert riders with its annual campaign against drinking and riding called "Don't Ruin The Ride."

CDOT authorities say having a beer and riding is much more dangerous than having one beer and driving, because operating a motorcycle requires more balance and skill.

Officials with the Colorado Department of Transportation say riding while impaired is a major problem that contributed to to 27 motorcycle fatalities in Colorado last year. Five of those were in Mesa County.

The Four Corners Rally is being held from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3. Riders say it's crucial to have this campaign as a reminder to others.

"There's probably 10,000 more cyclists in Western Colorado," said Sam Kluberdanz, a motorcycle training manager.

Officials say motorcycles make up 3 percent of the state's total registered vehicles, yet motorcycle riders comprise 17 percent of traffic deaths.

Recent reports reveal 79 percent of riders involved in fatal crashes were determined to be at fault, and 51 percent of the fatal crashes involved only the motorcycle and no other vehicle.

Officials say more than half of the riders who were killed were not wearing helmets.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather