As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, Colorado’s roads fill with more than just sunshine and springtime traffic—motorcyclists are back. After months of fewer bikes on the road, many drivers aren’t used to sharing the streets with motorcycles, and that can be dangerous.
At The O’Sullivan Law Firm, we’ve seen the devastating consequences of motorcycle accidents caused by careless drivers. With spring in full swing, it’s time for every car and truck on the road to take extra precautions to protect motorcyclists. Here’s why:
Many motorcyclists park their bikes during the coldest months, which means drivers have spent the winter without having to regularly check for them. This lapse in awareness can make motorcycles harder to spot when they return to the roads in spring.
💡 What you can do: Make it a habit to actively check for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes.
Even when motorcycles are everywhere, they’re still smaller and less visible than cars. They can blend into traffic, disappear behind larger vehicles, and seem farther away than they actually are.
💡 What you can do: When making left turns or pulling into traffic, take an extra second to scan for motorcycles. Many accidents happen because a driver simply “didn’t see” a bike coming.
Colorado drivers are no strangers to sudden changes in weather—one minute it’s sunny, the next, it’s hailing. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to these conditions because rain, wind, and leftover gravel from winter road treatments can all affect their stability.
💡 What you can do: Give motorcyclists extra space when the weather is bad. They may need to slow down or change lanes to avoid hazards.
Speaking of hazards, winter leaves behind a mess. Potholes, cracks, and debris from sanding and salting can create serious risks for motorcyclists. A pothole that’s just a bump for a car can be a major obstacle for a motorcycle.
💡 What you can do: Be mindful of motorcyclists swerving slightly within their lane—it’s not reckless riding, it’s defensive riding. Give them room to maneuver safely.
With warm weather comes an increase in motorcycle rides—commuters, weekend riders, and groups heading up to the mountains. The more motorcycles on the road, the greater the need for drivers to stay aware.
💡 What you can do: Treat motorcycles as equals on the road. Don’t try to squeeze past them, and always check twice before merging or turning.
Phones, in-car entertainment systems, and other distractions make it easy for drivers to miss motorcycles entirely. A moment of inattention can lead to catastrophic consequences.
💡 What you can do: Put the phone down, keep your eyes on the road, and stay fully engaged in driving.
One of the best ways to prevent motorcycle accidents is to train drivers to look for motorcycles intentionally—and that’s exactly what Rider UP! does.
Rider UP! is a simple game that car passengers can play: The first person to spot a motorcyclist and yell its location in relation to the car wins.
🗣️ “Rider LEFT!”
🗣️ “Rider RIGHT!”
🗣️ “Rider BACK!”
🗣️ “Rider UP!”
The goal is to make Rider UP! as popular as Slug Bug, the classic game of spotting VW Beetles.
💡 What you can do: Share the Rider UP! video on your social media channels and start playing the game with your family and friends. The more people who play, the safer our roads will be for motorcyclists.
It may sound obvious, but too many drivers still treat motorcyclists like second-class road users—tailgating them, cutting them off, or failing to yield. Every person on a motorcycle is someone’s loved one, and they have just as much right to be on the road as any other vehicle.
💡 What you can do: Give motorcyclists the full lane, don’t crowd them at intersections, and always yield appropriately.
Motorcyclists love spring just as much as everyone else—maybe even more. But they rely on drivers to help keep them safe. If we all stay alert, watch out for each other, and respect the rules of the road, we can prevent accidents and make Colorado’s streets safer for everyone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver, The O’Sullivan Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
