Colorado has different slant on safety

The campaign is a continuation of the Live to Ride motorcycle campaign, which began three years ago.

Because you're a freakin' moron, I wear safety gear-- Jeffersonian SOBs campaign

“For the past two years, we have primarily focused our Live to Ride campaign on encouraging training and riding sober, but now we are addressing the importance of using proper safety gear, which not only includes helmets, but also eye protection, gloves, boots, long pants and jackets,” said Pamela Hutton, CDOT’s chief engineer.

 “As a rider myself, I understand the desire to feel the freedom of not wearing a helmet or leathers, but the risks are far too great without them," she said. " We hope more bikers will be convinced that wearing proper gear is the best way to protect themselves from the unexpected.”

Karl Long is a safety instructor with ABATE of Colorado and a model for the campaign: “I wanted to be a part of this campaign because I want to help my fellow riders stay safe on the roads in any way possible. 

Wearing safety gear is an important line of defense against distracted drivers that can save lives and prevent serious injuries.  But motorcycle training is also critical to help riders learn to control their bike and avoid things that are out of their control.”

Lack of training is  problem in Colorado as more than 70 percent of riders killed were at fault in tthe wrecks. More than 33 percent of riders who died appears to be a consistent factor in Colorado’s motorcycle fatalities. Last year, 72 percent of fatal 2009 motorcycle crashes were blamed on the rider. 

And more than one-third of riders killed in 2009 didn't have an M on the license.