Deadly Start to 2026 for Colorado Motorcyclists, CDOT Reports
Between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2026, 15 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in Colorado, marking the deadliest start to a year since 2017, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
In Colorado Springs, five fatal motorcycle accidents occurred during this period. Adams County recorded the highest fatalities with six, followed by El Paso County with five, and Jefferson and Larimer Counties with four each. Boulder County reported two motorcycle deaths, as detailed by the Colorado State Patrol.
Authorities attributed the rise in fatalities to increasing rider activity following an unseasonably warm winter. “More motorcyclists are out enjoying the wonderful weather,” said CDOT spokeswoman Tamara Rollison. As the riding season approaches, safety experts warn this period, known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” is particularly hazardous for motorcyclists.
Data indicates that nearly 58% of the state’s motorcycle fatalities occur between June and September. In 2025, excessive speed and alcohol impairment were leading factors in motorcycle deaths, with data showing that 26% of fatalities involved impairment.
To enhance safety, Rollison emphasized helmet usage, noting that 49% of riders killed in the past five years were not wearing one. She added that riders should complete an approved motorcycle safety course to prepare for road conditions.
State agencies are urging all road users to drive sober, avoid distractions, and adhere to traffic laws as the peak riding season begins. “We all share the road, and it’s vital to watch out for each other,” Rollison stated.