The Signal Hill Police Department will be conducting a specialized motorcycle safety enforcement operation during the week beginning May 9. 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, as well as other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.
Motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in California, increasing 175 percent in the last decade, from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008. Fatal motorcycle crashes in Los Angeles County have increased 63 percent, from 70 in 2004 to 114 in 2008, and motorcycle-injury crashes have increased 47 percent from 1,996 to 2,927 in the same period.
Factors contributing to motorcycle crashes very often include speeding and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by motorcyclists.
SHPD is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.
Another major factor leading to motorcycle crashes is inexperience. Riders, young and old, are encouraged to seek training and safety information. Many people ride motorcycles without the proper motorcycle license endorsement and without the skills necessary to ride safely.
Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at CA-msp.org or 1-877-RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411).
