LBPD focuses on motorcycle safety with enforcement operations 2010-05-12 ·

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http://www.everythinglongbeach.com/lbpd-enforcement-focus-on-motorcycle-safety/ LBPD focuses on motorcycle safety with enforcement operations 2010-05-12 · By Editor
As part of Motorcycle Awareness Month the Long Beach Police Department will be conducting specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operations during the month of May.
Motorcycle Awareness month is recognized throughout the country each year in May. LBPD’s motorcycle safety operations are part of an effort to lower deaths and injuries y using enforcement and education of motorcycle laws in Long Beach.
Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where collisions occur. Officers will also crack down on traffic violations committed by motorcyclists, as well as other vehicle drivers that can lead to motorcycle collisions, injuries and fatalities.
Motorcycle fatalities had been on the rise in California. A 175% increase over the last decade showed that motorcycle-related deaths rose from 204 in 1998 to 560 in 2008. However, preliminary numbers for 2009 show that the trend may be changing.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the California may see a 20% reduction in motorcyclists killed. In Long Beach, statistics indicate that motorcycle collisions accounted for almost 10% of all injury traffic collisions in 2009.
California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs. The Long Beach Police Department is also reminding motorists to always be alert and watch out for motorcycles, especially when turning and changing lanes.
“Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than others sharing the road,” said California Office of Traffic Safety Director, Christopher J. Murphy. “Motorcyclists, per vehicle mile traveled, are 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash.”
Rider’s can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.
Funding for the motorcycle safety and enforcement program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Any questions regarding these efforts should be directed to Sergeant Tom Marcoux of the Traffic Enforcement Section at (562) 570-7295.