Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation NA17230dm

On Sunday, January 7, 2018, the Los Angeles Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation with the goal of lowering motorcycle related deaths and injuries in Foothill Area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional officers will be patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists, and where motorcycle traffic collisions occur. Officers will be looking for violations committed by drivers and motorcycle riders alike that attribute to motorcycle crashes.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which was a 5-year high. Over the course of the past five years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in 150 fatalities and 3,615 injuries in the City of Los Angeles. California traffic collision data revealed that the primary causes of motorcycle-involved traffic collisions include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike. The goal of these operations is designed increase traffic safety and stop the increase in motorcycle deaths.

Motorcyclists are encouraged to utilize the following safe riding techniques while operating a motorcycle:

• Use your lane position to increase visibility • Change lanes only when there is ample room • Match your speed to surrounding traffic • Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing • Ride with lights on during daylight hours

Riders are strongly encouraged to attend training offered through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is:

Share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”