CA-motorcycle safety enforcement 2012

[karen]

Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation Set for Friday - Camp Pendleton, CA Patch

Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation Set for Friday

Extra officers will crack down on traffic violations and be on the lookout for drivers and riders who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol from 6 a.m.-12 p.m.

February 14, 2012

The Oceanside Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation Friday from 6 a.m.-12 p.m. in an effort to continue lowering deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for drivers and riders who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists as well as other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.

While motorcycle fatalities had been on the rise in California, increasing 175 percent in the last decade, from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008, the trend has changed. In 2009, California experienced a 29.6 percent reduction with 394 motorcyclists killed, and preliminary 2010 numbers indicate another 10 percent drop to 353 motorcyclists killed.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs. The Oceanside Police Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Some of the reduction in riders killed can be attributed to fewer improperly licensed riders. In 2008, 62.7 percent of motorcycle operators killed under age 25 were not properly licensed. In 2009, that statistic fell to only 45.5 percent. Riders, young and old, are encouraged to be properly licensed and to seek training and safety information.

“The terrible trend of rising motorcyclist fatalities has been reversed, though there is more that everyone can do to save more lives. Riders and drivers need to respect each other and share the road,” said California Office of Traffic Safety Director, Christopher J. Murphy.

Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at California Motorcyclist Safety Program or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.

–Press release by Oceanside Police Department

[karen]

Tuesday, Feb 14 2012 12:22 PM

Motorcycle safety enforcement operation scheduled for Saturday

The Bakersfield Police Department will conduct a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation Saturday in an effort to continue a two-year trend of declining motorcycle fatalities in California, a BPD news release said.

Extra officers will patrol areas frequented by motorcyclists and in areas where crashes occur more often, the news release said. Officers will be looking for drivers or riders who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and will be cracking down on traffic violations by car drivers as well as bikers that can lead to motorcycle collisions.

California collision data shows that primary causes of motorcycle-related crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and driving under the influence, the release said.

Another factor contributing to motorcycle injuries and fatalities is a prevalance of improperly licensed drivers, which the enforcement operation also aims to combat, according to the release.

The enforcement program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Riders can learn more about motorcycle safety at California Motorcyclist Safety Program.

[karen]

Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on February 24, 2012 in the City of Pico Rivera


The Downey Patriot - Police seek to improve safety by targeting careless motorists

Police seek to improve safety by targeting careless motorists
1 day

MONTEREY PARK – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Risk Management Bureau/Traffic Services Detail will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on February 24, 2012 in the City of Pico Rivera in an effort to continue lowering deaths and injuries. Extra deputies will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur.

Deputies will be looking for drivers and riders who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists as well as other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries, and fatalities.

After ten years of steadily increasing motorcycle fatalities in California, increasing 175 percent from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008, the trend has changed.

Two consecutive years of fewer motorcycle fatalities – 394 in 2009 and 352 in 2010 – have resulted in a 37 percent decrease since the 2008 peak. This is a positive trend that we want to see continue.

In the area policed by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, there was a 390 percent increase in motorcyclists injured over the last 13 years with 47 injured in 1998 and 184 in 2011. There was a 300 percent increase in motorcyclists killed over the same time period with 2 killed in 1998 and 6 killed in 2011.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs.

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

Some of the reduction in riders killed can be attributed to fewer improperly licensed riders.

In 2009, that statistic fell to only 45.5 percent. Riders, young and old, are encouraged to be properly licensed and to seek training and safety information.

“The terrible trend of rising motorcyclist fatalities has been reversed, though there is more that everyone can do to save more lives. Riders and drivers need to respect each other and share the road,” said California Office of Traffic Safety Director, Christopher J. Murphy.

**********

[karen]

PERRIS: Motorcycle enforcement effort Friday

BY SARAH BURGE
STAFF WRITER
sburge@pe.com

Published: 01 March 2012 06:32 PM

Deputies are planning a special motorcycle safety enforcement operation tomorrow in Perris, authorities said.

Officers will be looking for drivers and riders who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclists as well as other drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities, a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department news release said. Extra officers will be on duty from 6 to 11 p.m. patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur, the release said.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs, the release said. Sheriff’s officials said they wish to remind all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

[NickD]

For job related reasons I was unfortunate enough to live in Perris, CA for a while (gang-banger and trailer trash central, lol) and one day I got a speeding ticket. I was doing 90 mph on a straight wide open two lane road and passed a CHP going the opposite way. (Just tuned up my carb and was testing it out.) I slowed and watched him make a U-turn and come after me. But he hung back.

I got to a corner and turned left onto a more twisty road and he stayed about an 8th of mile behind me sort of just pacing me. I couldn't really figure out why he didn't close the gap and pull me over. After a couple of miles he did finally get behind me and he lit me up. He was a young guy, early twenties, and the first thing he said to me was, "Why didn't you run? You had a pretty good chance of getting away." And it dawned on me that's exactly what he wanted me to do. Perris is a boring place for a CHP and I supposed he was looking for some excitement.

I pulled off my helmet so he could see I was three times his age. And I laid into him. "That's what you're saying to me?" I told him, "If I was my 18 year old son out here and you said that to him, I'd be royally pissed! I'll admit to speeding but this ain't your personal playground out here." He got pissy with me after that, and he was kind of a punk, and I remember thinking the CHP was scraping the bottom of the barrel when they badged this guy. He wrote me for 80 mph, we had a few more choice words for each other, and I left.

A month later I went to the local courthouse to deal with the ticket but they had no record of it. A girl in line with me got a ticket from the same CHP that morning and hers wasn't in the system either. So she just walked out. But I was worried it was a paperwork screw-up and I'd wind up with a failure to appear at some later date. So I called up the CHP station, gave them the officer's name, and asked what the deal was.

They told me the officer involved suffered a career ending injury and not to worry about any ticket he may have written me. Now I was curious so I followed up on it and later learned, they never would say exactly what happened, but it sounded like he pulled over someone(s) in a cage a few hours after me, and whoever it was kicked the shit out of him. And they took his gun, badge, and ticket book for good measure.

Not what I would have wished on him, but like I said, he was a punk . . .

[mancosbob]

Originally Posted by NickD

<snip> ....they never would say exactly what happened, but it sounded like he pulled over someone(s) in a cage a few hours after me, and whoever it was kicked the shit out of him. And they took his gun, badge, and ticket book for good measure.

Not what I would have wished on him, but like I said, he was a punk . . .

They do not usually get stationed in those sorts of areas if they are the cream of the crop, unless right out of the academy. Loosing his weapon is not good either; and can even be chargeable under certain circumstances in CA. Asking you about not running is really strange; never heard that one before. What a SFB!

Knowing the local constabulary as I do, I'd like to buy the perp a Cohiba...

[karen]

HEMET: Police to crack down on motorcycles | Breaking News | PE.com - Press-Enterprise

HEMET: Police to crack down on motorcycles

BY JOHN ASBURY
STAFF WRITER
jasbury@pe.com
Published: 13 March 2012

Hemet police plan to increase enforcement on dangerous motorcyclists during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Extra officers will be on patrol in problematic areas where motorcycle crashes have occurred or where riders are known to often make illegal traffic maneuvers, Hemet police Lt. Eric Dickson said in an e-mail.

Police also will be looking for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Hemet police responded to 16 motorcycle crashes last year, including 16 injuries, one fatality and one DUI.

[karen]

Santa Monica Police to Enforce Motorcycle Safety

Santa Monica Police to Enforce Motorcycle Safety


By Lookout Staff

April 10, 2012 -- Santa Monica police will crack down on motorcyclists who violate the traffic laws Sunday in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

The Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation comes less than one month after a motorcyclist died in the hospital after colliding with a 2005 Ford Expedition during a race with another motorcycle on Pico Boulevard. ("Motorcyclist Involved in Santa Monica Accident Dies," March 19, 2012)

During Sunday's operation, extra officers will be patrolling areas "frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur," police said.

"Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by motorcyclist as well as other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities," said Sgt. Richard Lewis, the police department spokesman.

After motorcycle fatalities increased in California by 175 percent -- from 204 deaths in 1998 to 560 deaths in 2008 -- the deaths have dropped by 37 percent to 394 in 2009 and 352 in 2010.

“The terrible trend of rising motorcyclist fatalities has been reversed, though there is more that everyone can do to save more lives," said Christopher J. Murphy, director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. "Riders and drivers need to respect each other and share the road.”

The decrease in riders killed is in part due to fewer improperly licensed riders, state authorities said.

In 2009, 45.5 percent of motorcycle operators killed under age 25 were not properly licensed, down from 62.7 percent the previous year.

According to authorities the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs.

"All motorists should always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes," Lewis said.

Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at California Motorcyclist Safety Program or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.

Funding for the operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

[karen]

The Fairfield Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on April 14, 2012
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FFPD: How Not to Crash Into A Motorcycle And Vice Versa - Suisun City, CA Patch

FFPD: How Not to Crash Into A Motorcycle And Vice Versa

Safety tips for motorists and cyclists.

From Fairfield Police public information:

The Fairfield Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on April 14, 2012, in an effort to continue lowering deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by regular vehicle drivers as well as motorcyclists that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.

After ten years of steadily increasing motorcycle fatalities in California, increasing 175 percent from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008, the trend has changed. Two consecutive years of fewer motorcycle fatalities - 394 in 2009 and 352 in 2010 - have resulted in a 37 percent decrease since the 2008 peak. This is positive trend that we want to see continue.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs. The Fairfield Police Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Some of the reduction in riders killed can be attributed to fewer improperly licensed riders. In 2008, 62.7 percent of motorcycle operators killed under age 25 were not properly licensed. In 2009, that statistic fell to only 45.5 percent. Riders, young and old, are encouraged to be properly licensed and to seek training and safety information.

"The terrible trend of rising motorcyclist fatalities has been reversed, though there is more that everyone can do to save more lives. Riders and drivers need to respect each other and share the road," said California Office of Traffic Safety Director, Christopher J. Murphy.

Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at California Motorcyclist Safety Program 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.


Safety Tips

Tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

* Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections;

* Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;

* Don't be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle - motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;

* Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. And don't tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

*Never drive while distracted.



Motorcyclists can increase their safety by:

* Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.

*Never driving while impaired.

* Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet;

* Using the motorcycle's turn signals; it is California law.

* Combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves;

* Avoiding riding in poor weather conditions;

* Wearing brightly colored protective gear;

* Using reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity; and

The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: Help to share in the responsibility and do your part by safely "sharing the road."

[karen]

Police targeting motorcyclists Sunday

Police targeting motorcyclists Sunday

By Samantha Masunaga
April 14, 2012

CITYWIDE — Santa Monica police officers will crack down on motorcycle-related traffic violations Sunday as part of their day-long Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation.

Extra patrols in areas frequented by motorcyclists or where crashes occur will also be in place.

The move comes after the recent turnaround of a 10-year trend of high motorcycle fatalities in California. In 2010, 352 motorcyclists were killed, in contrast to 560 deaths just two years before, police said.

"The terrible trend of rising motorcycle fatalities has been reversed, though there is more that everyone can do to save more lives," said Christopher J. Murphy, California Office of Traffic Safety director. "Riders and drivers need to respect each other and share the road."

Part of this reduction can be attributed to fewer improperly licensed riders. As a result, the Santa Monica Police Department encourages riders of all ages to be properly licensed and seek training and safety information.

Drivers are also reminded to be mindful of motorcyclists, especially when turning and changing lanes.

[karen]

Fountain Valley Police to Crack Down on Unsafe Motorcyclists

Extra officers will be patrolling areas frequented by motorcycles.

May 3, 2012

The Fountain Valley Police Department will conduct a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on May 23 in an effort to continue lowering deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be cracking down on traffic violations made by regular vehicle drivers as well as motorcyclists that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.

After 10 years of steadily increasing motorcycle fatalities in California, increasing 175 percent from 204 killed in 1998 to 560 killed in 2008, the trend has changed. Two consecutive years of fewer motorcycle fatalities – 394 in 2009 and 352 in 2010 – have resulted in a 37 percent decrease since the 2008 peak.

Since October 1, there have been six people injured in motorcycle involved traffic collisions in the city of Fountain Valley.

California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs. The Fountain Valley Police Department is also reminding all motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.

Some of the reduction in riders killed can be attributed to fewer improperly licensed riders. In 2008, 62.7 percent of motorcycle operators killed under age 25 were not properly licensed. In 2009, that statistic fell to 45.5 percent. Riders, young and old, are encouraged to be properly licensed and to seek training and safety information.

"The terrible trend of rising motorcyclist fatalities has been reversed, though there is more that everyone can do to save more lives. Riders and drivers need to respect each other and share the road," said California Office of Traffic Safety Director Christopher J. Murphy.

[karen]

Santa Rosa police crackdown on motorcycles Tuesday

By RANDI ROSSMANN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Monday, May 7, 2012 at 1:06 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, May 7, 2012 at 1:06 p.m.

Santa Rosa traffic officers Tuesday will concentrate on motorcycle safety, looking for violations by riders and drivers, which can jeopardize rider safety.

Sgt. Lance Badger issued a warning Monday that extra patrol officers will work Tuesday throughout the city.

Santa Rosa officers investigated 53 injury collision involving motorcycles in 2010-2011.

California collision data showed the main causes of such crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs, said Badger.

Motorcycle training is available from the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. For information go to California Motorcyclist Safety Program or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.

The cost of the day's extra enforcement is being provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

[karen]

Napa police plan motorcycle enforcement on Saturday : Napa Valley Register

Napa police plan motorcycle enforcement on Saturday
4 hours ago • Staff report

The Napa Police Department will conduct a special motorcycle enforcement operation on Saturday.

Extra officers will be on duty, patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur, the department said. Officers will strictly enforce traffic violations by motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.

In the city of Napa, 17 motorcyclists were killed or injured in 2010. Out of 103 similar sized cities, 95 cities had a lower number of motorcyclists killed and injured.

In 2010, 79 percent of motorcycle operators involved in fatal collisions were at fault and 57 percent of motorcycle operators involved in injury collisions were at fault, police said.

According to California collision data, the primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol or drugs.

Funding for the Napa police’s special enforcement program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Administration.

[jsdiamond]

Karen, thanks again for posting these updates. You're helping to keep a lot of us out of court!

[karen]

Long Beach Police Up Motorcycle Safety Patrols

Additional officers will be on duty in areas frequented by motorcyclists Saturday.
By Shawna Burreson 3:00 am


Dangerous drivers will get special attention by the Long Beach Police Department Saturday as officers launch a "Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation."

An increased number of officers will patrol roadways where motorcycles travel often and where collisions are likey to happen. Officers will also be on the lookout for vehicles breaking traffic rules and reckless driving.

The operation comes only a few months after Long Beach resident Mark Alonso, 51, was killed while riding a Piaggio Scooter after he was hit by a truck on the Pacific Coast Highway near the Traffic Circle in Long Beach.

However, motorcycle accidents and injuries have actually been decreasing in past years, according to a statement by police, bucking a decade-long statewide trend in which California saw a 175 increase of motorcycle deaths from 1998 - 2008.

Since then, the numbers continue to decrease, with only five motorcyclists killed and 132 injured in Long Beach in 2010, according to a police statement, which is down from previous years.

"The terrible trend of rising motorcyclist fatalities has been reversed, though there is more that everyone can do to save more lives,” said California Office of Traffic Safety Director, Christopher J. Murphy, in a statement. “Riders and drivers need to respect each other and share the road."

Drivers are encouraged to use safe practices such as looking out for motorcycles when turning or changing lanes, not speeding and of course, being sober behind the wheel, all of which have been shown to be major causes of motorcycle collisions, according to a statement by police.

Some of the reduction may also be due to a drop in licensed riders, according to the police department. A lack of safe driving skills is especially important on motorcycles, which provide less protection from the road than traditional modes of transportation, like cars.

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program provides training and information for motorcycle riders. For more information, click here or call 1-877-RIDE-411 or 1-877-743-3411.