Fifteen motorcyclists died on Colorado roads between January and March 2026, the deadliest first quarter for riders in the state since 2017, the Colorado Department of Transportation said as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month begins in May.

The early-year toll, which transportation officials linked in part to an unusually warm winter, comes as the state approaches what CDOT calls the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer — the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic crashes and fatalities historically climb, especially among motorcyclists.

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Helmet use remains the leading countermeasure, CDOT said. Nearly half — 49 percent — of motorcyclists killed in Colorado over the last five years were not wearing a helmet.

“Earning your motorcycle endorsement and wearing safety gear are responsibilities of every rider before hitting the road,” said Colonel Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Safety is a shared responsibility on our roadways. Motorists and motorcyclists need to look out for one another on our roadways to ensure everyone gets home safely.”

Since 2015, 58 percent of Colorado’s motorcycle fatalities have occurred between June and September. Last year, 148 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads, accounting for 21 percent of all traffic deaths. Motorcycle fatalities have increased by nearly 90 percent over the past 15 years.

“This Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, CDOT is raising awareness about the alarming increase in motorcyclist fatalities in Colorado, particularly with a warm winter and spring,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “It is imperative for all road users to exercise caution and follow the laws that protect themselves and others.”

Driver and motorcycle safety tips from CDOT

To reduce crashes, CDOT urges drivers and motorcyclists to keep these tips in mind:

• Observe all traffic laws and obey the speed limit.
• Always drive and ride sober. Even one drink can affect judgment.
• Avoid distractions that take your eyes off the road, such as phones.
• Yield to motorcyclists, especially when turning at intersections.
• Wear high-visibility protective gear and a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet. Riders can learn how to identify a compliant helmet on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s motorcycle safety page.
• Lane filtering is legal in Colorado as of 2024.

Weld and Pueblo counties have the highest percentage of fatalities involving unhelmeted riders, CDOT said, and riders aged 40 to 59 have the highest rate of non-helmet use in fatal motorcycle crashes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed and alcohol are significant contributing factors in motorcycle crashes. In 2025, more than 26 percent of motorcycle fatalities in Colorado involved impairment. CDOT noted that alcohol, drugs and certain prescribed medications can impair judgment, coordination and alertness, posing significant risks to riders.

CDOT data show motorcycle fatalities have climbed steadily over the past 15 years, from 78 deaths in 2011 to 148 in 2025, with annual peaks of 165 in 2024 and 149 in 2022.