What Can Motorcyclists Do to Help Stay Safe on the Road?

 Posted on May 31, 2026 in Car Accident

Motorcycle riders in Colorado face a higher risk of serious injury in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. Motorcycles have no frame, no airbags, and no seatbelts, so injuries tend to be severe in accidents. The good news is that many motorcycle crashes are preventable, and riders who know the law are also better protected if they do get hurt. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in 2026, a Larimer County, CO motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your legal options.

What Safety Gear Should Colorado Motorcyclists Always Wear?

Wearing the right gear every time you ride is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of injury. That means a helmet, eye protection, gloves, a jacket with built-in armor, and boots that cover the ankles. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1502, Colorado does not require adult riders to wear helmets, but riders under 18 must wear one. 

That legal flexibility does not reflect how dangerous riding without a helmet is. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists were almost 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash in 2024. A helmet does not completely prevent fatalities, but it is one of the most important ways motorcycle riders can keep themselves safe. 

How Does Defensive Riding Protect Colorado Motorcyclists?

Many drivers do not see motorcycles until it is too late. Defensive riding means positioning yourself where you are visible and giving yourself room to react. Keep at least three to four seconds of following distance behind the vehicle ahead. Stay out of blind spots and use your headlights during the day. 

Left-turn collisions are among the most common and deadly crashes involving motorcycles. Drivers often misjudge a bike's speed or simply fail to look twice before turning. These crashes frequently happen at intersections and can cause catastrophic injuries. Wearing bright or reflective clothing and staying alert at intersections gives you the best chance of avoiding them.

Does Colorado's Lane-Filtering Law Affect Motorcycle Liability?

Lane filtering became legal in Colorado under SB24-079, effective August 7, 2024. The law allows riders to pass between lanes of completely stopped traffic at no more than 15 mph. The lane must be wide enough to pass safely, and the rider cannot use the shoulder or pass in oncoming traffic. The law only applies where the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less. Lane splitting, which means moving through traffic that is still flowing, remains illegal in Colorado.

The new lane-filtering law sometimes affects how fault is assigned after a crash. A rider who follows all five legal requirements and gets hit by a driver who suddenly moves has a strong claim. A rider who filters through moving traffic or exceeds 15 mph while filtering may be found partly at fault. Following the law precisely protects both your safety and your right to full compensation if a crash happens.

What Steps Should You Take Right After a Motorcycle Crash in Colorado?

If you were in a motorcycle crash, and you are safely able to do so, there are several steps you should take before leaving the scene:

• Call 911 and wait for the police to file a report, even if the crash seems minor.

• Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and all vehicles involved.

• Get the other driver's name, insurance information, and license plate number.

• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

• Seek medical care right away, even if you feel fine at the time.

Each of these steps creates a record that supports your claim. Some injuries, including internal bleeding and soft tissue damage, do not show symptoms immediately, which is why seeing a doctor the same day is important even when you feel fine. A gap in treatment gives the other side room to argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else.

What Daily Riding Habits Help Colorado Motorcyclists Stay Safe?

A few consistent habits reduce your exposure on the road:

• Never ride after drinking. Alcohol is involved in a large share of fatal motorcycle crashes every year. 

• Keep your motorcycle in good condition and check your tires, brakes, and lights before every ride.

• Use your turn signals early, follow posted speed limits, and give yourself extra braking distance on Colorado's mountain roads and descents. 

Riding responsibly helps your legal position if you ever need to file a claim, since it can help show that the other party bears the fault.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Larimer County, CO Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in 2026, the experienced Fort Collins, CO motorcycle injury lawyers at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. are here to help. We offer free consultations. Attorney Hoggatt is a member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. Call 970-225-2190 today.

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