Did you know that the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is taking over Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST)? Last year, several changes were made when it comes to how Colorado handles motorcycle safety training. But will these changes help improve safety for those of us who ride? It’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and here’s an update on motorcycle safety right here in Colorado!
When CSP Trains You How to Ride Safer
Last year, state officials doubled down on their approach to motorcycle safety. That’s because 2016 was the worst year on record for motorcycle fatalities in Colorado. Officials wanted 2017 to be different. So, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) emphasized rider and driver education. Working with CSP, authorities intensified their Ride Wise campaign, and it appears that they got results.
The number of Colorado traffic-related motorcyclist deaths dropped by 20 percent in 2017—a major victory for safety officials. Despite this success, 2017 also saw several changes to the way Colorado handles motorcycle safety. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation was contracted to help improve the MOST program, and CSP was tasked with taking over coordination of the MOST program.
CSP’s takeover of MOST happened earlier this year, so what does the State Patrol have in store for the program? Current plans have CSP hiring a new coordinating director for MOST, but otherwise it looks like they are focusing on the formula that seems to have produced results. The Ride Wise program continues on the CSP website along with the Live to Ride program.
Hopefully, the MOST program and the efforts of CSP will yield further results for motorcycle safety in Colorado. The attorneys who ride at Metier Law Firm hope so, but we will continue to be there for motorcyclists that need help when dealing with traffic incidents.