Utah’s deadliest month for motorcyclists: One woman's loss, statewide warning

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah faces a tragic milestone: 14 motorcyclists killed on Utah roads in July alone — the highest number ever recorded in a single month. “That is the most on record in any given month and that is really, really serious," said Utah Highway Patrol Assistant Superintendent Jeff Nigbur. The numbers are up more than 33% from previous years. And of those riders, only 41% were wearing helmets. For Darby Coffen, the statistics are personal. On July 27, she got a call nobody wants to receive. Her husband, Charlie Coffen, had died in a motorcycle crash during a bachelor party trip in Moab. “There was a blind corner… and in front of him, there was a 10-foot cliff," Darby said. Charlie, 28, was an experienced motorcycle racer. He always wore a helmet. But this time, he didn’t — a fatal mistake. Darby had to break the news to Charlie’s mother, who was overseas in England, where Charlie grew up. “None of us could speak. I just had to hang up the phone," said Coffen. But breaking the news to her two young sons was even more difficult. “My oldest came up to me and said, ‘Is daddy coming home?’' Daby said. "And I said, ‘No, he’s not. He’s up in heaven.’”

Sadly, this is one of many outcomes. Too many, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety:

44 rider deaths this year were single-vehicle crashes
33% increase over the past two years
41% of those fatal crashes involved wearing helmets

State data points to several key risk factors for single-vehicle fatal crashes:

Excessive speed
Drug involvement
Older drivers
Riding without a helmet

“None of this is worth your life," said Trooper Nigbur. “Do not do stupid things on motorcycles. You are so, so vulnerable.” “He was super young—only 28. And he had goals and dreams," Coffen said. Goals and dreams, Darby Coffen and DPS say, were cut short. If you’re thinking about getting a motorcycle or are a seasoned rider, always wear a helmet. And make sure to follow state law by getting a valid motorcycle endorsement. To curb motorcycle fatalities, the state increased fines to $350 for operating a motorcycle without a valid endorsement. There's an $18 fee to get a valid endorsement. And the state is including a 25% discount for motorcycle safety classes, offered through "Ride To Live Utah."