Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month NA13068df

What:
Motorcycle safety Awareness Month News Conference

When:
May 3, 2013
10:00 A.M.

Where:
LAPD Operations-Valley Bureau & Valley Traffic Division
7870 Nollan Place
Panorama City, CA  91402

Who:
Commander Sharon Pappa, Acting Commanding Officer O.V.B.
Captain Brian Pratt, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division
Detective William Bustos, Valley Traffic Detectives
Motorcycle Officer Troy Williams, Valley Traffic Division

Why:
Warm weather is fast approaching, gas prices continue to increase and motorcycle
enthusiasts take to the streets.  There are over four million motorcycles registered in the United States.  The popularity of this mode of transportation is attributed to the low initial cost of owning a motorcycle and its use as a pleasure vehicle.

All motorists and other road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcycles and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.  Motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists.

Recent data indicates that deaths and injuries attributed to motorcycle collisions are becoming a larger portion of a grave public health problem.  Motorcycle crash-related fatalities have been increasing since 1997.  In 2011, 4,612 motorcyclists died on America’s roads, accounting for 14 percent of total deaths despite motorcycle registrations representing only about 3 percent of all vehicles in the country.

Visuals:
Visuals will include a damaged motorcycle previously involved in a fatal traffic collision.
Various legal and novelty helmets will be displayed. Motorcycle riding safety tips will be   provided.

Contact:
For more information, please call Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.