Los Angeles Police Department to increase enforcement toward dangerous riders NR10076rh

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, February 21, 2010.  Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where crashes occur. Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists, and other vehicle drivers, that lead to fatal and injury motorcycle traffic collisions.

Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 91% from 275 killed in 2000 to 533 killed in 2008.  Fatal motorcycle traffic collisions in Los Angeles County have increased 62% from 70 in 2004, to 114 in 2008, and injury motorcycle collisions have increased 47% from 1,996 to 2,927 in the same period.

Factors contributing to motorcycle crashes include speeding and impairment due to alcohol and/or other drugs by motorcyclists and other drivers.

The Los Angeles Police Department is reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Another major factor leading to fatal and injury motorcycle collisions is inexperience.  Riders, young and old, are encouraged to seek training and safety information.  Many people are riding motorcycles without the proper motorcycle license and without the skills necessary to ride safely.  

It is every motorcyclist’s responsibility to be properly licensed and have the skills necessary to ride safely.  Rider’s can receive training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, and information is available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 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.

For further information, please contact Officer Don Inman, Traffic Coordination Section, at 213-486-0703.